I suggest three works by English historians - Keith Thomas, Religion and 
the Decline of Magic and Ronald Hutton, The Rise and Fall of Merry 
England and also his Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year 
in Britain as essential reading on anglo folkloric belief. If one wishes 
to delve earlier The Secret Middle Ages by Malcom Jones is a wonderful 
read though perhaps not a book to let the kiddies peruse at the pictures 
On the latter point just went to an exhibition of holy and profane 
badges in Bruges in Dec. which was recommended for children despite some 
very explicit sexuality. I don't think a museum could show this stuff in 
UK and I heard a lecture on similar matter to an adult US audience by a 
Dutch archaeologist nearly caused several coronories. But then I 
survived Catherine Johns standard lecture on "erotic" Roman art in which 
she insisted on the lights being on so the audience couldn't hide their 
response and blushes. Sorry to ramble.


paul