The Back-Folk: Day XXX

Alice Telescoping: lore, anthropology, documentation

There have been some recorded instances of engagements between the Back-Folk and humans which have now created a folklore of their own; and none more so than those attributed to the figure of Alice Telescoping.

There are few confirmed facts regarding Alice Telescoping and her engagement with the Back-Folk, but it is accepted and agreed that no-one has done more to understand the Back-Folk and preserve their lore than she.

From what is known, Alice Telescoping, an individual who has been described as being best understood as an anthropologist (though does seem to have led a rather interesting life, filled with diverse experiences), spent some time in the village in the 1930s, or possibly earlier. She may have visited more than once, but she certainly rented Cottingley Cottage for an entire summer in the decade or two before the second World War.

Alice Telescoping achieved what few had achieved before, and did so to a significant extent: not only did she meet the Back-Folk, she built a rapport with them, seemingly being allowed to witness certain events and establish an understanding of aspects of their life and traditions.

She is thought to have documented these experiences in detail, but there is no record of any publication(s) attributed to Alice Telescoping surviving. Much of what is known about what she learnt has been gleaned from either local lore, or excerpts from a handful of letters she wrote to friends and fellow anthropologists.