Legends & Lore of Western Pennsylvania

American Legends

by Thomas White

Oppaymolleah's curse. General Braddock's buried gold. The original man of steel, Joe Magarac. Such legends have found a home among the rich folklore of Western Pennsylvania. White spins a beguiling yarn with tales that reach from the misty hollows of the Alleghenies to the lost islands of Pittsburgh.

Genres: Nonfiction, American History, Supernatural, History, Ghosts

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

Thomas White is the university archivist and curator of special collections in the Gumberg Library at Duquesne University. He is also an adjunct lecturer in Duquesne's History Department and an adjunct professor of history at La Roche College. White received a master's degree in public history from Duquesne University. Besides the folklore and history of Pennsylvania, his areas of interest include public history and American cultural history. He is the author of Legends and Lore of Western Pennsylvania, Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania, Ghosts of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Forgotten Tales of Pittsburgh and Forgotten Tales of Philadelphia (co-authored with Edward White), all published by The History Press.

Reviews

[Sara Whitaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book with well-written and explained legends and lore. The stores are interesting, especially if you know the area.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one day. Quick short tales though out about legends and folklore around and where I grew up and many stories I did not know. A great book if you want to hear more about western pa. Or if you like these types of tales.

[Evalynn]

I bought this book locally because it included Ray Robinson, a person both my father and grandfather befriended as Beaver Falls natives. This story and the Maxo Vanka haunting are my favorites included in the book. My father was enthralled as I read the recounting of the B-25 bombers demise. I loved that while this author gives you the tale, he also interjects with the facts, the reality of the situation, or a healthy dose of skepticism.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written and researched book about interesting legends and supernatural stories that took place in the Pittsburgh area. There were some interesting facts or perhaps "tall tales" about George Washington. I would recommend this book if you are interested in history and the paranormal, or if you are from the Western PA area.

[Amy Akey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. I have heard some of these stories throughout my life in W. PA. Some were new.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've lived in Pittsburgh my entire life and I've only heard of two of these legends (Green Man and Dead Man's Hollow). Fun and interesting read!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and fun, easy read about places I know. I've heard a lot of these stories, and the author explains their origin, true or not.

[Greg Gaussa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neat book about various stories and folklore in the Pittsburgh area

[Barry Peffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about western PA legends! I knew of some, and learned about a bunch more. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had heard some of the stories but most were new to me. They were fun. This takes in all of the western Pennsylvania area. I liked that he put a bibliography in the back so if you want to read more on some of the stories you can. I know I want to read more about Murder Swamp.

[David Healey · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite legend was the Green Man!

[PennsyLady (Bev) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say!
I love the legends and lore of the Pittsburgh area

[Louise Silk · Rating 2 out of 5]

disappointing

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, quick, and fun. Many of the legends I've heard before, but who doesn't mind hearing a good ghost story once again?