Highways and Byways in the Border, curated with significant contributions from Andrew Lang and John Lang, serves as a confluence of historical narratives and literary exploration, spotlighting the rich tapestry of borderlands lore. The anthology seamlessly weaves together a variety of literary styles, from the lyrical to the historical, illustrating the tumultuous and vibrant past of border territories. The diversity in narration invites readers into a journey through time, offering a comprehensive view of the socio-political dynamics and cultural encounters that have shaped these regions. Noteworthy are the pieces that delve into folklore, shedding light on the mythic depth that percolates through the history of borderlands, enriching the anthology’s thematic concerns. The anthology gains its scholarly gravitas and nuanced perspectives primarily through the efforts of Andrew and John Lang, whose backgrounds as historians and storytellers imbue the collection with authenticity and academic rigor. Aligning with movements that emphasize regional histories and cultural narratives, their work collectively enriches our understanding of border territories as spaces of conflict, coexistence, and cultural amalgamation. The contributed essays and stories, steeped in the historical and cultural milieu of the borderlands, offer insights into how geography shapes identity and the narrative contours of a region’s history. Highways and Byways in the Border is a must-read for those intrigued by the complex interplay of history, culture, and geography. It encourages a deeper exploration of how border narratives, through a compendium of styles and perspectives, mirror broader human experiences and conflicts. This anthology not only serves as an educational tool but also as a medium for engaging with the past in a dialogue that is richly revealing and profoundly insightful.
About the author
Andrew Lang (1844–1912) was a versatile Scottish scholar renowned for his work as a poet, novelist, literary critic, and contributor to anthropology. He now is best recognized for his role as a collector and publisher of folk and fairy tales. A prolific author, Lang’s extensive bibliography includes works ranging from his famous ‘Fairy Books’ series to tomes on mythology, history, and anthropology. ‘Highways and Byways in the Border, ‘ published in 1913 after his death, illustrates Lang’s enchantment with the Scottish borders, rich with historical anecdotes and local traditions, reflecting his deep appreciation for folklore and storytelling. He was among the first to take a serious approach to the study of myth and folklore; his ‘Custom and Myth’ (1884) and ‘Myth, Ritual, and Religion’ (1887) demonstrate this interest. Lang’s literary style often blends a scrupulous attention to detail, a characteristic of his academic background, with a whimsical narrative voice that enlivens his storytelling. His work laid the groundwork for future folklorists and cultural historians, combining rigorous scholarship with accessible writing, broadening interest in cultural mythology and fairy tales. His collaboration with illustrators such as H. J. Ford for the ‘Fairy Books’ left a lasting visual legacy accompanying his literary contributions. Lang was also a gifted polyglot, translating works from ancient Greek and other languages into English, underscoring his facility with language and his broad scholarly reach.
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