Author: Wentworth Webster

Wentworth Webster (1828–1907) was a distinguished English clergyman and folklorist, renowned for his contribution to the preservation and understanding of Basque culture. Anchored in his deep interest in linguistics and folklore, his seminal work “Basque Legends; With an Essay on the Basque Language” (1879) collects folklore from the Basque region and includes a significant scholarly essay on the Basque language that underscores its uniqueness and complexity. Webster”s scholarly approach combined textual analysis with a keen understanding of oral traditions, situating Basque folklore within wider European cultural narratives. His literary style often mirrored the didactic yet captivating tone of the tales he sought to preserve, positioning him as a mediator between Basque culture and the English-speaking world. Webster”s reverence for the subject is evident in his careful documentation and translation of stories that might otherwise have been lost to time. His work continues to be cited in studies of Basque linguistics and ethnology (Douglass & Bilbao, 2005), and remains a valuable resource for those interested in folklore and minority languages. Webster”s dedication to cultural preservation through literature signals his lasting impact on the field of folkloristics and positions him as a vital figure in the study of Basque heritage.