Andrew Lang

Andrew Lang (1844–1912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic, and anthropologist, widely recognized today for his extensive collections of folk and fairy tales. Born in Selkirk, he received a comprehensive education at various Scottish schools and universities, including Oxford, where he excelled in classical studies. Lang established himself as a highly versatile writer, contributing to journalism, poetry, criticism, and history. He was a member of the Neo-Jacobite society, the Order of the White Rose, and served as president of The Folklore Society and the Society for Psychical Research. His marriage to Leonora Blanche Lang was a significant collaboration, with her playing a key role in the compilation of his famous fairy tale collections.

Lang's scholarly work delved into folklore, mythology, and religion, influenced by early researchers like John Ferguson McLennan and E. B. Tylor. He explored the origins of myths, viewing certain elements as survivals from more primitive cultures. His interest extended to psychical research, where he sought to challenge prevailing rationalist views by examining spiritualism and animism. Lang also made notable contributions to classical scholarship, producing prose translations of Homeric epics, and worked as a historian, focusing on Scottish history and figures like Mary, Queen of Scots. His diverse writings also included poetry and literary criticism.

Andrew Lang is primarily remembered for his significant contributions to the study of folklore and anthropology. His interest in these fields began early, influenced by scholars like John Ferguson McLennan and E. B. Tylor. Lang's early publication in this area was 'Custom and Myth' (1884), followed by 'Myth, Ritual and Religion' (1887), where he proposed that the seemingly 'irrational' aspects of mythology could be understood as remnants from earlier, simpler cultural stages. His work 'The Making of Religion' explored the idea of advanced spiritual concepts existing within so-called 'savage' societies, drawing parallels with contemporary interest in the occult. Lang is perhaps most famous for his series of fairy tale collections, beginning with 'The Blue Fairy Book' (1889). These collections, collectively known as Andrew Lang's Fairy Books, were largely compiled and translated by his wife, Leonora Blanche Lang, and a team of assistants, though Andrew Lang edited and prefaced them.

Beyond folklore, Lang was a foundational figure in the field of "psychical research." His anthropological writings included works such as 'The Book of Dreams and Ghosts' (1897), 'Magic and Religion' (1901), and 'The Secret of the Totem' (1905). He served as president of the Society for Psychical Research in 1911. Lang utilized evidence from 19th and 20th-century European spiritualism to counter the view, espoused by his mentor E. B. Tylor, that belief in spirits and animism was inherently irrational. Through his research, Lang aimed to develop an anthropological critique of materialism. He engaged in vigorous debates with colleagues like Edward Clodd concerning 'Psycho-folklore,' a branch of study that sought to link folklore with psychical research.

Lang also made considerable contributions to classical scholarship, notably through his collaborative prose translations of Homer's 'Odyssey' (1879) and 'Iliad' (1883). These translations are still recognized for their distinctive, albeit archaic, style. He was a Homeric scholar with conservative viewpoints and authored several works on the subject, including 'Homer and the Study of Greek' (1891) and 'Homer and His Age' (1906). In the realm of history, Lang's writings on Scotland were noted for their meticulous detail, engaging literary style, and ability to clarify complex issues. His works on Mary, Queen of Scots, such as 'The Mystery of Mary Stuart' (1901), re-examined historical evidence. He also explored other historical mysteries and figures, including John Knox and Prince Charles Edward Stuart, often presenting new perspectives or information.