Legends of Florence: Collected from the People, First Series

"Legends of Florence: Collected from the People, First Series" by Charles Godfrey Leland, gathers together a vibrant collection of Florentine folklore and legends, pulling back the curtain on the city’s enchanting history and popular traditions. It presents stories connected to famous places, structures, and communities in Florence, interlacing together to expose the magical and historical soul of the city. Unlike typical historical writings, Leland's work is built mainly on spoken stories passed down through locals. The introduction tells how the author aims to assemble the stories that illuminate Florentine culture, explaining how he gathered these accounts, including working with a fortune-teller called Maddalena, who gave him folklore and hidden knowledge. Leland highlights why small, local legends are more important than big historical milestones; he thinks that they are more closely linked to people's lives and memories. Leland's introduction prepares readers for an intriguing trip through the strange, comical, and mysterious aspects of Florence's stories, making his book a great door for anyone who loves folklore and the feeling of a place.