"This reference work offers alphabetical entries on every aspect of the subject, including descriptions of hundreds of individual legends and their variations, legend themes, and scholarly approaches to the genre. The thorough coverage of urban legends of the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking countries is enhanced by entries for all countries in which published urban-legend collections are presently available: hitchhikers vanish all over the world.".

"Urban legends are a specimen of modern folk narrative, so this encyclopedia contains entries on how to collect, classify, and analyze texts and performances. Other entries discuss the relationship of urban legends to literature, film, comic books, music, and many other areas of popular culture.".

"All entries are cross-referenced and feature brief bibliographies. The introduction defines "urban legend" and sketches out the history of urban-legend studies. A general bibliography suggests further readings on the subject. The Encyclopedia of Urban Legends, which is illustrated, is based on the latest scholarship, including materials available on the Internet."--BOOK JACKET.