The Watkins Book of Urban Legends

The Watkins Book of Urban Legends by Gail de Vos is a comprehensive and entertaining collection of urban legends from around the world. It includes a detailed history and analysis of the origin of each tale, compiled by a leading authority in the field.

This rich and unique collection features folktales and urban legends from around the globe. Each story is accompanied by a brief note to provide context. It includes new tales that reflect contemporary concerns, old tales repurposed for new audiences, and new ways of storytelling.

The collection illustrates how these stories are now vividly alive across various new media. It is the first such popular book to combine stories with both traditional and digital media origins, examining how social media has influenced the spread and very nature of urban legends.

The book delves into the modern manifestation of folk mythology and legend, now made ubiquitous by the internet, known as conspiracy theory. Included are urban legends such as The Pickled Hand, The Babysitter, and The Sandman. There are also conspiracy theories such as Wild Fires, Fifteen Minute Cities, and Organ Theft.

In terms of geographical origin, 40% of the stories come from North America, 30% from Europe, 20% from Asia, and 10% from Africa and elsewhere. The book also explores how stories evolve and spread from their countries of origin to become global phenomena.