Author: Kenneth L. Untiedt
KENNETH L. UNTIEDT is the Secretary-Editor of the Texas Folklore Society. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Texas Tech University. He is a professor of English at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he teaches Technical Writing, American literature, and folklore. He and his family live on a farm west of Nacogdoches, Texas.
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Works Published by UNT Press
Legends and Life in Texas: Folklore from the Lone Star State, in Stories and Song
— Vol. 72: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2017 Pages: 320 Features: 70 b&w illus. Notes. Index.
There is sometimes a fine line between history and folklore. This Publication of the Texas Folklore Society tells stories about real-life characters from Texas’s history, as well as personal reflections about life from diverse perspectives throughout the last century. The first section covers legendary characters like Davy Crockett and Sam Houston, and people who were bigger or bolder than others, yet seem to have been forgotten. The second section includes works that examine songs of our youth, as well as the customs associated with music, whether it’s on a football field or in a prison yard. The works in the final section recall memories of a simpler time, when cars and home appliances lacked modern conveniences, and when it was a treat just to go and “visit” with family and friends. All of these works capture something of our past, if only to carry it on and keep it alive for generations to come. more... about Legends and Life in Texas: Folklore from the Lone Star State, in Stories and Song
Thirty-three Years, Thirty-three Works: Celebrating the Contributions of F. E. Abernethy, Texas Folklore Society Secretary-Editor, 1971-2004
— Vol. 71: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2016 Pages: 384 Features: 65 b&w illus. Notes. Index.
Francis Edward “Ab” Abernethy served as the Secretary-Editor of the Texas Folklore Society for over three decades, managing the organization’s daily operations and helping it grow. He edited two dozen volumes of the PTFS series and wrote the three volumes of the Society’s history. This Publication of the Texas Folklore Society celebrates Ab Abernethy’s years of leadership in collecting, preserving, and presenting the folklore of Texas and the Southwest. The prefaces to some of the more memorable edited volumes are included, along with articles he wrote on music, teaching, anecdotes about historical figures and events, and “cultural” examinations of the things we hold dear. In all, these pieces tell us what was important to Ab. In part, these topics are also what was—and still is—important to the Texas Folklore Society. more... about Thirty-three Years, Thirty-three Works: Celebrating the Contributions of F. E. Abernethy, Texas Folklore Society Secretary-Editor, 1971-2004
Cowboys, Cops, Killers, and Ghosts: Legends and Lore in Texas
— Vol. 69: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2013 Pages: 368 Features: 70 b&w illus. Notes. Index.
This Publication of the Texas Folklore Society has something for everyone. The first section features a good bit of occupational lore, including articles on cowboys—both legendary ones and the relatively unknown men who worked their trade day by day wherever they could. You’ll also find a unique, personal look at a famous outlaw and learn about a teacher’s passion for encouraging her students to discover their own family culture, as well as unusual weddings, somewhat questionable ways to fish, and one woman’s love affair with a bull. more... about Cowboys, Cops, Killers, and Ghosts: Legends and Lore in Texas
First Timers and Old Timers: The Texas Folklore Society Fire Burns On
— Vol. 68: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2012 Pages: 400 Features: 90 b&w illus. Notes. Index.
“The Texas Folklore Society has been alive and kicking for over one hundred years now, and I don’t really think there’s any mystery as to what keeps the organization going strong. The secret to our longevity is simply the constant replenishment of our body of contributors. We are especially fortunate in recent years to have had papers given at our annual meetings by new members—young members, many of whom are college or even high school students. more... about First Timers and Old Timers: The Texas Folklore Society Fire Burns On
Hide, Horn, Fish, and Fowl: Texas Hunting and Fishing Lore
— Vol. 67: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2011
What would cause someone to withstand freezing temperatures in a cramped wooden box for hours on end, or stand in waist-high rushing waters, flicking a pole back and forth over and over—in many cases with nothing whatsoever to show for his efforts? Why is it that, into the twenty-first century, with the convenience of practically any type of red meat or fish available at the local supermarket, we continue to hunt game and fish on open waters? The answer is that no matter how sophisticated we think we are, no matter how technologically advanced we become, there is still something deep within us that beckons us to “the hunt.” more... about Hide, Horn, Fish, and Fowl: Texas Hunting and Fishing Lore
Celebrating 100 Years of the Texas Folklore Society, 1909-2009
— Vol. 66: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2009 Pages: 336 Features: 80 b&w illus. Bib. Index.
The Texas Folklore Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious organizations in the state. Its secret for longevity lies in those things that make it unique, such as its annual meeting that seems more like a social event or family reunion than a formal academic gathering. more... about Celebrating 100 Years of the Texas Folklore Society, 1909-2009
Death Lore: Texas Rituals, Superstitions, and Legends of the Hereafter
— Vol. 65: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2008 Pages: 304 Features: 60 illus. Bib. Index.
Death provides us with some of our very best folklore. Some fear it, some embrace it, and most have pretty firm ideas about what happens when we die. Although some people may not want to talk about dying, it’s the only thing that happens to all of us—and there’s no way to get around it. more... about Death Lore: Texas Rituals, Superstitions, and Legends of the Hereafter
Folklore in Motion: Texas Travel Lore
— Vol. 64: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2007 Open Access
Folklore in Motion: Texas Travel Lore is now available as a free e-book at the UNT Digital Library. Use of this item is restricted to the UNT Community. more... about Folklore in Motion: Texas Travel Lore
Folklore: In All of Us, In All We Do
— Vol. 63: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: December, 2006 Pages: 360 Features: 50 illus. Bib. Index. Open Access
Folklore: In All of Us, In All We Do is now available as a free e-book at the UNT Digital Library and The Portal to Texas History. more... about Folklore: In All of Us, In All We Do
Inside the Classroom (and Out): How We Learn through Folklore
— Vol. 62: of Publications of the Texas Folklore Society
Published: November, 2005 Pages: 304 Features: 40 illus. Notes. Bib. Index. Open Access
Inside the Classroom (and Out): How We Learn through Folklore is now available as a free e-book at the UNT Digital Library. Use of this item is restricted to the UNT Community. more... about Inside the Classroom (and Out): How We Learn through Folklore