"Myths and Legends of Our Own Land," written by Charles M. Skinner, is an enthralling collection that reveals the rich tapestry of folklore and legends that are woven into the fabric of American history and society. The myths, tales, and superstitions that have defined American identity are brought to life by Charles M. Skinner's painstaking research and compelling storytelling. The book explores the length and width of the country, presenting the distinctive storylines that have been passed down through generations, from the creepy ghost legends of New England to the heroic sagas of the Wild West. Skinner introduces readers to both human and supernatural characters, as well as the monuments and settings that inspired these stories, in his beautiful words. Skinner delivers a vibrant panorama of the cultural mosaic that is the United States, whether reciting Native American traditions, repeating colonial-era fables, or examining more recent folklore.
Charles Montgomery Skinner (March 15, 1852 – January 7, 1907) was an American author. Skinner was born in the town of Victor, New York. His literary and journalistic career included serving as editor of the Brooklyn Eagle. In 1903, the Atlantic Monthly published his analysis on the paper's legendary Walt Whitman. He published collections of myths, tales, and folklore from the US and around the globe. He intended to preserve traditions threatened by the industrial age by combining folkloric customs with New England transcendentalism. Skinner's writings covered a wide range of topics. He was a playwright who wrote the play Villon, the Vagabond. Skinner was also fascinated with the changing seasons, particularly as they occurred within industrializing cities. He wrote a gardening and urban beautifying handbook to help improve the urban environment. In Workers and the Trusts and American Communes, he also commented on the tumultuous economy of turn-of-the-century America. Natural history books such as with Feet to the Earth and Do-Nothing Days were among his other contributions to American literature.
