Thomas Frederick Crane

Thomas Frederick Crane was an American folklorist born in 1857 in New York. He dedicated his life to collecting and interpreting folklore, particularly children's tales from various cultures. Crane was educated at Columbia University and went on to work as a professor, where he emphasized the importance of oral traditions in literature. His notable contributions include collections of fairy tales and fables, which aimed to preserve the rich tapestry of cultural narratives for future generations. Crane's work is significant in the field of folklore as he helped bring attention to the oral storytelling tradition and its impact on literature. He is particularly known for his adaptations of traditional stories, which often highlighted moral lessons and cultural values. His efforts were crucial in the early 20th-century movement to document and analyze folk narratives in America and beyond.