Folklore of The Holy Land: Moslem, Christian and Jewish - by J.E. Hanauer

Folklore of the Holy Land: Moslem, Christian and Jewish by J.E. Hanauer, a British missionary and folklorist based in Jerusalem, is a collection of oral traditions, legends, and anecdotes gathered from Palestine’s diverse religious communities during the late Ottoman period. Published by Duckworth & Co., the book aims to preserve the rich tapestry of folk beliefs and stories shared by Muslims, Christians, and Jews, offering a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual life of the region before modernization and colonial influences reshaped it.Hanauer, a long-time resident of Palestine, drew on conversations with local storytellers, including peasants, clergy, and community members, to compile this work. The book is organized thematically, covering myths, superstitions, and tales about sacred figures, places, and customs. It includes stories of biblical and Quranic figures like Abraham, Moses, and Solomon, whose legends transcend religious boundaries, as well as local tales of jinn, demons, and holy sites. For example, Hanauer recounts beliefs about the “water of life” and haunted springs, similar to those later studied by Tawfiq Canaan, reflecting a shared folkloric tradition.