Arranged alphabetically, entries summarize urban legends from around the world, detail their variations, discuss major themes, analyze subtexts, and consider the scholarly research on the subject. The relationship between urban legends and other aspects of folk and popular culture is explored; and advice is offered on the collection, classification, and analysis of the legends. Brunvand is professor emeritus of English at the University of Utah. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)