Desh Bidesher Lokbyektitta (Bengali Version)

Book Details

• Author: Sudipto Chowdhury
• Publisher: Bangiya Sahitya Samsad
• Language: Bengali

About the Book

Desh Bidesher Lokbyektitta (Bengali Version) is a unique and ambitious reference work that introduces readers to the lives and contributions of 125 distinguished personalities who have played a pivotal role in the development of folklore studies across the world. Spanning more than two centuries of intellectual history, the book documents the scholars, collectors, researchers, and cultural pioneers whose work has shaped the modern understanding of folk literature, folk culture, and oral traditions.

The study begins with the landmark publication of the Brothers Grimm's collection of folk tales in 1812, an event widely regarded as the beginning of modern academic folklore studies. From this historic milestone to the present day, the author traces the evolution of folklore as an international field of scholarship through the lives and achievements of its most influential contributors.

Each biographical sketch offers a concise yet informative account of the individual's life, academic journey, major publications, research interests, and lasting contributions to folklore and cultural studies. The book highlights how these scholars documented oral traditions, preserved endangered cultural heritage, developed new theoretical frameworks, and expanded the scope of folklore research across different countries and cultures.

Rather than focusing solely on one region or tradition, Desh Bidesher Lokbyektitta adopts a global perspective. It brings together personalities from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, illustrating how folklore studies have evolved through international collaboration and intellectual exchange. Readers gain valuable insights into the interdisciplinary nature of folklore, which draws upon anthropology, literature, linguistics, history, ethnography, sociology, and cultural studies.

Beyond serving as a biographical dictionary, the book also documents the historical development of folklore as an academic discipline. By presenting the work of generations of researchers in chronological and thematic context, it enables readers to appreciate the growth of folklore studies and the continuing importance of preserving humanity's intangible cultural heritage.

An invaluable resource for students, researchers, folklorists, historians, anthropologists, librarians, and readers interested in folk culture and cultural history, Desh Bidesher Lokbyektitta stands as an important reference work that celebrates the global pioneers of folklore scholarship and their enduring legacy.