This annual volume from the Australian Folklore Association is a sequel both to that body's earlier publications and to the Proceedings of the earlier Conferences (issued under various auspices and in differing formats). Its style and contents have, alike, been shaped in response to the various developing strands observable in folkloristics both in Australia and overseas.It is thus concerned to reflect something of the mood of general appraisal which has been felt in the field recently, particularly in Britain. Attention has also been paid to the various surveys that have been felt appropriate here in Australia as Federation approaches, and as we reflect on the fact that, in 2001, this country will host for the first time in its forty year history the prestigious World Congress of the International Society for Folk Narrative Research.