Folklore studies / Study of myth Books

Book SynopsisDiscover the history of precious, semi-precious, and organic gemstones, their scientific properties, their mythical powers, and their traditional uses.Humans have been beguiled and fascinated by gemstones and crystals since prehistory, and made use of them for everything from currency and ceremonial decoration to tokens of love or power. But why have some been considered more significant than others - rare or otherwise? Learn all about the key characteristics of precious and semi-precious stones, and discover the science behind some of their more unusual and mysterious properties, and the various ways in which they have taken on powerful symbolic meanings. How did the Vikings use iolite to help them steer their ships, for example? Why did the Ancient Greeks and Romans believe that sardonyx could protect them in battle?Dive deep into the pages of this curated crystal book to discover:- A quirky and compelling angle on the subject of cryst

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Book SynopsisIn The Witch Must Die, Sheldon Cashdan explores how fairy tales help children deal with psychological conflicts by projecting their own internal struggles between good and evil onto the battles enacted by the characters in the stories. Not since Bettelheim''s The Uses of Enchantment has the underlying significance of fantasy and fairy tales been so insightfully and entertainingly mined.

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Book SynopsisPresents epic poems by one who has been called the first Greek philosopher and theologian.Trade ReviewRichmond Lattimore is a fine translator of poetry because he has a poetic voice of his own, authentic and unmistakable and yet capable of a remarkable range of modulation. . . . Hesiod is earth-bound and dun-colored; indeed part of his purpose is to discredit the brilliance and the ideals of heroism glorified in the Homeric tradition. But Hesiod too is poetry . . . and Lattimore's is the only version that makes the English reader aware that it is." —Moses Hadas, New York Times Book Review

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Book SynopsisThis compelling collection of the best-known and most exciting Scottish myths andlegends is filled with magic and mystery.Stories include Angus and Bride', The Nimble Tailor', The Lonely Giant', King David and the Stag', Robert the Bruce and the Spider', The Mermaid's Revenge', St Columba', The Loch Ness Monster' and Callum and the Selkie'.

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Book SynopsisFolk tales from Devon, selected for children by a professional storyteller and illustrator

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Book SynopsisAn inspirational exploration into the ancient art of storytelling, and a practical guide for anyone wanting to build their skills

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Book SynopsisA long-awaited set of traditional tales focusing solely on the queer community, showing princesses can fall in love with lady bards, warriors with their noblemen, and that one born a prince may become the most wonderful queen

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Book SynopsisThese traditional stories and local legends have been handed down by storytellers for centuries. As folk tales reveal a lot about the people who invented them, this book provides a link to the ethics and way of life of generations of Kentish people. Herein you will find the intriguing tales of Brave Mary of Mill Hill, King Herla, the Pickpockets of Sturry, the Wantsum Wyrm and the Battle of Sandwich, to name but a few. These captivating stories, brought to life with a collection of unique illustrations, will be enjoyed by readers time and again. Tony Cooper has been a full-time storyteller for the past twenty-five years. He attends regular storytelling events, with a particular favourite being the Winter Tales Festival, ''a dark evening of storytelling and object theatre for adults'' held in his hometown of Sandwich.

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Book SynopsisFrom controversial cryptozoologist and explorer Dr. Veronica Wigberht-Blackwater, The Compendium of Magical Beasts is a definitive field guide that explores the history, biology, and anatomy of mythological creatures. Approaching the fantastic with a scientific eye, Dr. Wigberht-Blackwater explains the history, habits, and biology of each creature''s existence with equal attention to detail. Her research is accompanied by stunning scientific illustrations of each specimen''s anatomy, providing a comprehensive view of creatures most often dismissed as pure fantasy. Combining biological fact with folklore, cultural studies, and history, this volume is crucial to science both fringe and mainstream. Locked in a dusty attic for almost a century, Dr. Wigberht-Blackwater''s trailblazing work was recently discovered by writer Melissa Brinks, who spent months transcribing the journals she found. Brinks joined forces with artist Lily Seika Jones to digitize the doctor''s amazingly detailed anatomical diagrams in order to share these revolutionary findings with the world for the first time. The Bestiary: Mermaid, Unicorn, Wild Man, Gnome, Werewolf, Troll, Fairy, Jackalope, Winged Horse, Centaur, Minotaur, Vampire, Dragon, Sea Monsters/Loch Ness/Kraken, Goblin, Sphinx, Phoenix, Harpy, Cyclops, Banshee, Incubus/Succubus, Nymph, Ghoul, Selkie, Kelpie

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Book SynopsisA spiritual adventure story tracing the profound influence of Hermes Trismegistus on the western mind.Trade Review'This book provides a very readable introduction to the history of Western Esotericism. However, the most exciting aspect of the book is Lachman's thesis that Hermeticism is grounded in a common spiritual or religious experience and that this experience can be grounded in recent neuropsychological research. This fascinating hypothesis invites further … investigation.'-- De Numine'Truly great individuals are discussed for centuries after their existence. "The Quest for Hermes Trismegistus: From Ancient Egypt to the Modern World" discusses this figure of ancient Alexandria who is an icon of ancient science and philosophy, as the two were closely related in ancient times. Analyzing history and the mindset of the times, author Gary Lachman hopes to explain this figure to modern reader s to give them greater insight into a time long past. "The Quest for Hermes Trismegistus" is an excellent addition to any history collection, highly recommended.'-- Midwest Book Review, May 2011'It is a bewildering tale which has many twists and turns which Lachman considers not only in its historical but also cultural and philosophical connections across time.He also helps us unravel the development of hermecticism, Gnosticism, and connections across the ages to such seminal and initiatory characters as Rudolf Steiner, G.I. Gurdjeff, Giordano Bruno, Marcilio Ficino, Pico Mirandolla, Cornelius Agrippa, Robert Fludd, Dr John Dee, and Athansius Kircher.'-- Stephen Cox Trust, 2011'Gary Lachman offers us a fascinating history of the myth of Hermes Trismegistus and the translation of the Corpus Hermeticum … This is a comprehensive book covering all aspects of the tradition of Hermes,from the early periods through to modern explorations of Hermetic science as it resonates with altered states of consciousness. Lachman is an easy to read author yet has a near encyclopaedic knowledge of esotericism and is hence able to offer many different perspectives on the subject at hand. From the Egyptian influence on Greek philosophy to Islam and the Renaissance, Freemasons and the Rosicrucians this is a truly informative journey through all aspects of Hermes Trismegistus.'-- Living Traditions Magazine'Immensely erudite and continuing the work of GRS Mead and Frances Yates, the book traces the influence of hermetic thinking through different areas of the Western tradition drawing on a wide range of scholarship. It gives the reader quite a different flavour of the development of Western philosophy than would be found in any standard textbook.'--David Lorimer, Scientific and Medical Network Review'Here is an entertaining, mostly historical introduction to a body of religious knowledge that has a deep influence on the course of Western philosophy - Hermeticism…This is a concise and interesting introduction. Lachman covers much historical ground from Alexandria, via the Italian Renaissance and the Order of the Golden Dawn, to today.'-- Northern Earth'Lachman's [book] at times is quite a deep study of the philosophy and psychology of esoteric sprituality.'--David V Barrett, Fortean Times.

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Book SynopsisExplores the history of Europe and the earliest legends about magic and religion.

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Book SynopsisThis is the only contemporary book to fully explore the mythology of Robin Hood rather than concentrating on the human identity of the famous outlaw.Trade Review‘I can think of none better than John to guide and accompany the wanderer in the deep woods.’ -- Mark Ryan‘John Matthews has gone deep into the leafy shadows of the Greenwood in search of the elusive folk hero we call Robin Hood. His own Wild Hunt has led him through the magic of the changing seasons to reveal the Green Man as the ancient archetype lurking behind the legend of the Outlaw of Sherwood Forest.’ -- Richard ‘Kip’ Carpenter

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Book SynopsisThis timeless collection brings together three hundred of the most enduringly popular of Aesop’s fables in a volume that will delight young and old readers alike. Here are all the age-old favourites - the wily fox, the vain peacock, the predatory cat and the steady tortoise - just as endearingly vivid and relevant now as they were for their very first audience. Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure. This elegant Macmillan Collector’s Library edition of Aesop's Fables features an afterword by publisher and editor Anna South and illustrations by Arthur Rackham.

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Book SynopsisThe world's great fables, sagas and legends dramatically retold.Myths are the greatest stories ever told. Passed down over millennia, they are the templates for all our stories, with their eternal themes of creation and destruction, fate and cunning, heroism and cruelty, sensuality and war. Retold here are nearly 200 myths - from Prometheus defying Zeus to create man to the destruction of Troy; and from valiant battles against Frost Giants and Cyclopes to the heroic quests for the Golden Fleece and Holy Grail - including a commentary on their origins, common themes and meanings. Compellingly written, concise and with each myth illustrated with an iconic image, Myths in Minutes is the perfect way to understand and enjoy the world's major fables. Includes the great Ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian legends: The Labours of Heracles; The Gods of Olympus; Zeus defeats the Titans; Hades and the Underworld; Theseus and the Minotaur; The Gorgons; Perseus and Andromeda; Oedipus and the Sphinx; The Judgment of Paris; The Trojan Horse; The Odyssey; Jason and The Golden Fleece; Romulus, Remus and the Founding of Rome; Mars, the God of War; The Eye of Ra; The Murder and Resurrection of Osiris; and more.The best of Celtic, Norse, Eastern, American, Oceanic and African myths: Gilgamesh and the Great Flood; Odin's Great Sacrifice; Thor's Adventures in the Land of the Giants; The Treachery of Loki; Ragnarok - The Last Battle; The Eight Immortals; The War Between the Sun and the Stars; Quetzalcoatl, The Plumed Serpent; Ganesh, the Elephant-headed; Ananse and the Sky God; King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table; the age-old stories of the Aboriginal Dreaming; and many; many more.

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Book SynopsisWhen we search within, we inevitably find the underworld – lost connections, failed enterprises, haunting memories, insecurities and buried secrets. This book unites self-discovery with mythology, returning the underworld to its rightful place – a dreaded realm that harbours profound transformation, richness and expansion. Using archetypes from mythology, psychotherapist, Joanna LaPrade, PhD, teaches readers that experiences of darkness are natural and necessary markers along the path of growth and discovery. We all experience darkness, and this comprehensive and accessible guide will show readers of all ages how to embrace the shadowed parts of themselves. For millennia, cultures around the world have told myths about the underworld. It is a tragedy that the only image we have in the West is that of Hercules, requiring us to be strong and defeat the shadowed parts of our life. Forged in Darkness explores the archetype Hercules represents and turns toward other heroes and gods for models of journeying into darkness. When we question, learn to accept and make sacrifices, Odysseus is present. We acknowledge Dionysus when we reconnect with what is volcanic, unrestrained and feral. We may experience Persephone as we’re abducted from our comforts and connected to a mysterious authority within.

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Book SynopsisThe Italian folklore tradition is one of the most ancient unbroken chains of wisdom on earth. Discover the previously unwritten secrets of an Italian American family’s magical tradition passed down from generation to generation. This spellbook provides easy, step-by-step introductions to the basics of authentic Italian American magical practice. Discover how to: Run a magical household, including creating a family altar and connecting with your ancestors Enhance your wellbeing for self and family through Buona Fortuna Perform transformative candle magic Diagnose, cure and ward away malocchio Learn time-tested health remedies from relieving symptoms of viruses to maintaining healthy skin and sleep routines Develop your most important magical tool – your mind Master divination through cartomancy, dreams, pendulums and more With Tarot and folk Italian magic expert Dee Norman as your guide, build your magical toolkit and discover one of humanity's longest-lasting traditions for good fortune, a happy home and self-care.Trade Review"Burn a Black Candle is a beautiful guide to joyful living through the practice of real ancestral Italian folk magick. Highly informative and easy to apply, Burn a Black Candle is the perfect blueprint for creating an authentic traditional magickal practice of one's own." - Fiona Duncan, aka Lisa Infantino, Headmistress and Founder of The Magickal Path School of Witchcraft

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Book SynopsisPart-goat, part-man, Pan bridges the divide between the human and animal worlds. In exquisite prose, Paul Robichaud explores how Pan has been imagined in mythology, art, literature, music, spirituality and popular culture through the centuries. At times, Pan is a dangerous, destabilizing force; at others, a source of fertility and renewal. His portrayals reveal shifting anxieties about our own animal impulses and our relationship to nature. Always the outsider, he has been the god of choice for gay writers, occult practitioners, and New Age mystics. Though ancient sources announced his death, he has lived on through the work of Arthur Machen, Gustav Mahler, Kenneth Grahame, D. H. Lawrence and countless others. Pan: The Great God’s Modern Return traces his intoxicating dance.Trade Review‘A fascinating account of a strange god with meme-like reach across the ages, and a study in the temporal shape-shifting of mythology itself.’ — The Spectator; ‘Paul Robichaud’s Pan: The Great God’s Modern Return tracks the god from his origins as a guardian of Arcadian shepherds to his modern forms of trickster god primarily in the young adult genre of fiction. Along the way Robichaud examines the artwork, poetry, literature, and even music with Pan as the central figure. His prose paints a gorgeous picture of the misunderstood god and how changes in societal norms have erased or enhanced various aspects of the god over time.’ — Folklore; ‘The multiple identities and reincarnations of Pan are eloquently examined by Paul Robichaud in this fascinating book. Every age has its own version of Pan that echoes his Greek origins . . . This book is probably the most extensive study of Pan attempted. And it’s very well written. Robichaud is not only an academic but a published poet and it shows in the elegance of his sentences - sensitive and careful attention is given to the shades of meaning attached to Pan . . . And it’s not just the words but the images that captivate. The book has a generous number of colour illustrations . . . If you are looking for a pleasurable source book on everything about Pan than Paul Robinchaud’s is it. An important and self-recommending study. I loved it.’ — Alan Price, Magonia Review of Books; ‘If you are interested in Pan in any way, from his presence in literature or art to his magical presence in myth and vision, and the myriad ways that his shape flits throughout human history, be it on the edges or in our midst, then Pan: The Great God’s Modern Return is simply a must-purchase. It is, without doubt, the most wide-ranging treatment of the goat-foot god I’ve ever read, combining thorough attention to detail and research, yet at the same time highly accessible to a general reader . . . This book is a tremendous achievement and deserves a treasured place on the bookshelf of anyone who hearkens to the call of Pan.’ — Enfolding.org; ‘Simply the most wide-ranging and up-to-date exploration of the impact of Pan on the Western imagination yet written.’ — Ronald Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon; ‘We get the pleasure of seeing this goat-like god pop up everywhere from classic children’s literature to romantic novels to early environmentalist tracts . . . The result is a tour de force.’ — Pericles Lewis, author of The Cambridge Introduction to Modernism

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Book SynopsisEmbrace the power of the divine in this beginner's guide to some of mythology's fiercest females and most legendary ladies Across thousands of years and countless civilizations, goddesses have been a powerful presence. Whether as leaders, mothers, warriors or lovers, these indomitable divinities have always been able to fascinate and seduce us. This pocket guide offers readers an engaging and accessible introduction to a selection of the most powerful and influential goddesses throughout ancient and modern history, retelling their stories and celebrating their awesome abilities. Each profile includes a concise history of the goddess and her origins, a summary of her main powers, a look at the goddess in myth and popular culture and an exploration of her best attributes. Learn about the Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war; Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of pleasure and protection; the beautiful Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, and many others. Let yourself be inspired and empowered by tales of feminine power, strength and wisdom in this pocketbook of dazzling deities.

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Book SynopsisCatherine Hyde follows the journey of the bee and the sun in a calendar of glorious full colour paintings that celebrate the sensory delights of herbs, seasoned with bee and plant lore. From the rising and setting of the Pleiades, from sunrise to sunset, the bee and the sun work in harmony, a miracle of nature, growth and new life. Beneath the shifting constellations, equinoxes and solstice markers, as the bee progresses from plant to flower, acclaimed artist Catherine Hyde pays tribute to the magic and mystery of nature. Snippets of ancient bee beliefs and plant folklore are complemented by paintings of wild thyme, saffron, meadow sweet, basil, mallow, lavender and many more delights. A book to treasure, and an ode to the wonder of nature. 'This is a treasure... Such a celebration of the wheel of the year' JACKIE MORRIS, CILIP Kate Greenaway winner of The Lost Words, on The Hare and the MoonTrade ReviewBlending beautifully vibrant paintings with the written word, this gorgeous calendar of art celebrates the magic of nature, as well as the sensory delights and etymology of herbs * Daily Mail *PRAISE FOR THE HARE AND THE MOON: 'This is a treasure by Catherine Hyde. It is a thing of beauty that traps time... Such a celebration of the wheel of the year' Jackie Morris, CILIP Kate Greenaway winner of The Lost Words. 'She is, if you will, a visual poet weaving images, symbols and archetypes into paintings that resonate in the subconscious and linger there like half-remembered dreams or the dark fairy stories with which she has such affiliation' Pip Palmer, Galleries Magazine. 'Share the joy of leafing through the beautiful book which contains a treasure trove of visual and oral language... Atmospheric, entrancing and sparing enough to act as stepping stones into endless daydreams' Cornwall Today. 'It is the vibrant and atmospheric paintings and the way they bring to life the flora and fauna of the British countryside that make this book one that resonates... A book to treasure' The Field. 'An absolutely exquisite calendar of paintings, it's gorgeous... A celebration of flora, fauna and country life, this simply stunning tome would make the perfect girft or coffee table book' * The Countryside *

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Book SynopsisAppreciating the trees of yesterday and today.You don't need to be a tree hugger to love trees. Whether they grow in cities or form part of a huge rainforest canopy, learn interesting facts about trees, why we need them and how we've lived with them throughout the centuries. You'll find snippets on trees in literature, quotes and proverbs about trees, and learn about tree deities and rituals from around the world. The Little Book of Trees is crammed with information, folklore and history that will keep any dendrophile turning the pages.'A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people' Franklin D. RooseveltOnly about 1 per cent of rainforest plants have been researched for medicinal properties, yet over a quarter of today's medicines are from sources that came from rainforests. Table of ContentsFrom Seed to Crown • Into the Woods • Urban Trees • Tree of Life • Folklores and Superstitions • Tree Deities and Rituals.

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Book SynopsisThe beautiful county of Yorkshire is the largest in Britain, and yet still possesses a strong and cohesive regional identity. Built on centuries of shared tradition, a characteristic body of folklore has thrived and endured well into the present day. Folklore of Yorkshire chronicles such beliefs throughout the whole county, identifying distinctive common themes, placing them in their historical context and considering their social and psychological function. You'll discover Yorkshire's holy wells and buried treasure, its boggarts, Black Dogs and fairies, and the legends behind the county's stunning landscape. This fully illustrated book shows how the customs of the past have influenced the ways of today, whilst also revealing something about the nature of folklore itself, both for the tradition-bearers and those who collect it.

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Book SynopsisTales of Cornish folklore have been told for centuries. Where did these tales come from? How old are they? Who told them? Explore the world of epic tales, fireside stories and side-splitting dialect recitations.

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Book SynopsisWhen the successful British mystery writer Judith Moore meets Gavin, a handsome and charming baron, at a birthday party on the Cornish coast, his love transforms her from a bitter, lonely young woman into a romance heroine overnight. After a whirlwind honeymoon in Paris, he whisks her away to a secluded Gothic castle. But soon she finds herself trapped in a nightmare, as her husband's mysterious nature and his alternation between charm and violence become increasingly frightening. As Judith battles both internal and external demons, including sexual ambivalence, psychological self-torture, gaslighting, family neglect, alcoholism, and domestic abuse, she becomes increasingly addicted to her wild beast of a husband. Why do women stay in abusive relationships? The answer can be found in the tortured mind of the protagonist, whose richly layered fantasy life parallels that of the female Gothic romance reader. Filled with dark humor and evocative imagery, Bluebeard's Castle is a subversive take on modern romance and Gothic erotica.Trade ReviewBluebeard's Castle [is] . a stylised retelling of the old fable that mixes self-reference and gaudy excess. Its ­heroine, Judith, a gothic-romance novelist, shacks up in a crumbling castle with a brooding husband; the sex, death and pricy cognac are of a wildly enjoyable piece. -- Cal Revely-Calder, Best Fiction Books of the Year * Telegraph *Both a fantasy and a nightmare ... [Biller] casts a chilling light on the kinds of real-world fairy tales we are all still so often encouraged to believe. -- Elizabeth Dearnley * Times Literary Supplement *A story which is as gripping as it is troubling - and as relevant now as it has ever been. -- Barry Didcock * Herald *Grippingly intense and emotionally resonant, Bluebeard's Castle plants the reader firmly in the mind of a woman being masterfully manipulated, stripping bare any clichés and misconceptions about domestic violence. The result is a brutally honest glimpse into the tragedy of intimate partner violence that millions of women around the world have experienced. -- Sirena He * Esquire *To its final page, Bluebeard's Castle is as much an excavation of the insidious tactics of abusers as it is the culture that belittles and maligns victims, that teaches them to 'fix' their abusers or suffer the consequences. -- Kylie Cheung * Jezebel *A perfect literary debut for a one-of-a-kind filmmaker. And that cover! -- Sophia Stewart, Most Anticipated Books of 2023 * The Millions *A provocative work that adds layers of meaning as one becomes addicted to this page-turner of a book, Bluebeard's Castle is a bit of Alfred Hitchcock mixed with André Breton's Nadja. -- Tosh Berman, author of Tosh: Growing Up in Wallace Berman's WorldWritten by the filmmaker of 2016's The Love Witch, this debut novel has a similar romantic haze and a retro hyper-aesthetic swirl.stylish, scary, and peak modern Gothic. -- Maggie Lange, Most Anticipated Books * Bustle *Anna Biller's sly feminist dissection of gothic tropes is as lush and layered as her cinema...Biller skillfully portrays the gaslighting and abuse that reduce her heroine to making excuses for her boorish husband. -- Molly Odintz, Most Anticipated Books * CrimeReads *Though the story is set in the present day, Biller paints a beautifully creepy atmosphere full of billowy dresses, darkened woods, burning candles, and castle corridors full of ghosts and secrets. The novel's timeless quality helps drive home the unending nature of male violence against women. * Kirkus Reviews *Apparently, there's nothing Biller can't do, because she's bringing her gothic-meets-midcentury-camp aesthetic to the page with Bluebeard's Castle, a retelling of the famous fairy tale that also seems to be in conversation with Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. * BookPage ("Most anticipated mystery and suspense") *Bluebeard's Castle is a truly great novel...it's a delightful page-turner; multilayered and multi-dimensional. While a book of this nature is a risk in any era, it's safe to say that Anna Biller can now add novelist to her sensational register of artistic achievements. * We Are Cult *Equally steeped in the traditions of the Gothic genre and the women's picture, Bluebeard's Castle follows a romance novelist, Judith, as she's dragged into a whirlwind marriage with the dangerously charming Gavin. Its horror stems not just from the crumbling and potentially haunted castle, but from the terror of being trapped with a man who is a relative stranger to her. -- Alexandra Coburn * Screen Slate *This gothic thriller cheekily transports readers to a bygone era by drawing heavily upon classic horror movies and literature, utilizing highly stylized language, tropes, and dated gender roles while generating conversation regarding contemporary issues of consent, agency, domestic abuse, and gaslighting. The author contextualizes the self-sabotage that perpetuates toxic relationships, and fans of the author's film The Love Witch (2016) will enjoy this gothic novel. * Booklist *Biller flexes her mastery of pastiche, vividly sumptuous detail, and the subversion of classic female archetypes. In this, her first novel, a tale that begins in the style of gothic romance turns legitimately terrifying, rooted in the all too real fear of sociopathic male violence. -- Rufus Hickok * BUST *[Biller has] given the classic folk tale a feminist makeover. Call it an erotic Jane Eyre - one that both revels in and subverts the genre tropes to explore, among other things, why women like her heroine, Judith, stay in bad relationships with brooding men. * Everything Zoomer *Bluebeard's Castle is clever, disquieting, and as rich artistically as it is disciplined-in other words, everything you would expect from Anna Biller. Highly recommended! -- Brian W. Walter, professor, author, and editor of The Guestroom NovelistAnna Biller's writing is full and luminous, mirroring the classic fiction of Mary Shelley and Charlotte Brontë--but with a modern bite that keeps readers going back for more. -- Dominic Charles Howarth * Shelf Awareness *[Biller] transforms the gothic narrative and its spaces into a self-reflexive game; her novel offers a humorous and horrific twist on a genre that here grotesquely folds back on itself to reveal and conceal where true intent lies and the actual bodies are buried -- Hannah Hutchings-Georgiou * Worms Magazine *Bluebeard's Castle is a sexy but subversive romance novel steeped in Gothic imagery. * The Arts Fuse *A gorgeous, distinctly female gaze-but one unafraid to depict the mainstays of women's suffering, from objectification to assault. -- Chelsea Davis * Electric Literature *

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Book SynopsisIn ancient Rome (753 BC – 476 AD) mythology was integral to various aspects of society, from religion, to politics, to the founding of the city. Today, we may encounter the legacy of these stories before we encounter the stories themselves, whether this is in day-to-day speech, the 18th century art on display at the Louvre, or the works of William Shakespeare. The Roman tendency to accept their mythology as part of history creates a degree of uncertainty around the historical basis of the figures featured in these legendary tales. Truth, fiction, or both, the significance of mythology to this people is palpable. From Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome to Lucretia and the Republic; from Livy and the Dii Consentes to Virgil’s Aeneid; from Dis Pater in the underworld to Jupiter, god of the sky. Illustrated with 180 colour and black-and-white photographs, artworks, and maps, Roman Myths is an engaging and informative book, offering an introduction to Roman mythology, its roots, and its ongoing importance.Table of ContentsIntroduction Roman mythology before Greek influence and how Roman mythology built on the Greek pantheon. 1: The History and Mythology of Rome Aeneas – (Virgil’s Aenid) a hero of the Trojan War and Anchises and Venus’ son, he led Trojan refugees to Italy at the end of the war to become the founder of the Roman culture. Romulus and Remus (400BC) – the children of Rhea Silvia and Mars, the twin brothers and demi-gods are known for being the founders of Rome. Abandoned at birth because of a prophecy that told of them overthrowing their great-uncle Amulius, they were brought up by a she-wolf and then the shepherd Faustulus. Eventually they killed Amulius, established Rome and reinstated Numitor (Silvia’s father) in power. However, Romulus ended up killing Remus, which was later taken to represent a history of political dispute in Rome. 2: The Primary Deities Archaic Triad – Jupiter, Mars, Quirinus Capitoline Triad – Jupiter, Juno, Minerva Plebian/Aventine Triad – Ceres, Liber, Libera The Dii Consentes – the twelve major deities of the Ancient Roman pantheon; Juno, Vesta, Minerva, Ceres, Diana, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Neptune, Vulcan, Apollo. Greek influence (Greek gods compared with their Roman counterparts) – the development of Roman mythology from spirits to the pantheon; Roman people originally worshipped numina as gods and goddesses, but they had few distinctive qualities; e.g. Janus, god of doorways and archways and Terminus, god of boundaries. Being inspired by the Greek deities, they started to adapt their gods into Greek equivalents, giving them different names; Aphrodite became Venus, Cronus became Saturn etc. Cybele was known as Magna Mater (‘Great Mother’). The Roman state adopted and developed a particular form of her cult after the Sibylline oracle recommended her conscription as a key religious ally in Rome’s second war against Carthage. Roman mythographers reinvented her as a Trojan goddess, and thus an ancestral goddess of the Roman people by way of the Trojan prince Aeneas. With Rome’s eventual hegemony over the Mediterranean world, Romanized forms of Cybele's cults spread throughout the Roman Empire. The meaning and morality of her cults and priesthoods were topics of debate and dispute in Greek and Roman literature, and remain so in modern scholarship. 3: Lesser Deities & Magical Beings Along with the Dii Consentes, eight additional gods and goddesses made up the Dii Selecti. All aspects of daily life and state endeavour were governed by these or a host of lesser gods, and other supernatural beings also feature in Roman mythology. These include monsters, magical creatures and semi-divine heroes. 4: Roman Writings Ovid’s Metamorphoses – a collection of Near Eastern and Greek myths that the Romans had adopted, documenting from creation to the pinnacle of Julius Caesar’s reign. Ovid’s Fasti – describes Roman myths about the gods according to the festivals in their calendar. 5: The Mundane & the Mythological Rape of the Sabine women – after the founding of Rome by Romulus, there was a dearth of women to populate the city and so he abducted the Sabine women, resulting in a war with the Caeninenses. Horatius at the bridge – Publius Horatius Cocles, an army officer of ancient Rome, defended the Pons Sublicius from the Etruscans during the Roman and Clusium war. Raising the sun – Goddess Angerona is said to have known a spell to raise the sun in midwinter, on December 21st; the shortest day of the year. On that day, the days began to lengthen and spring returned. She also held the secret name of Rome, which would doom the people if she told it. Gaius Mucius Scaevola – a mythical assassin who, when captured, thrust his hand into the fire without showing any pain. His intended victim, Porsena, was shocked at the youth’s bravery, and dismissed him from the Etruscan camp, free to return to Rome, saying ‘Go back, since you do more harm to yourself than me’. At the same time, the king also sent ambassadors to Rome to offer peace. Servius Tullius – was the legendary sixth king of Rome, and the second of its Etruscan dynasty. He reigned 575–535 BC. Several traditions describe Servius’s father as divine. 6. The Legacy of Rome How Roman myths and legends changed throughout the existence of the Roman Republic and Roman Empire. Later, how the myths and legends survived after the Fall of the Roman Empire, how they were adapted during the Dark Ages and revived during the Renaissance. Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisFor the devotee of Irish heritage, mythology or folklore, County Sligo has everything. From the Curlew mountains in the south, where Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill defeated an English army under Sir Conyers Clifford, to Benbulben’s slopes in the north, where St Colmcille battled the High King of Ireland, every hill and valley is linked by the gossamer threads of myth, folklore and legend. These stories, some age-old legends and fantastical myths, some amusing anecdotes and cautionary tales, are a heady mix of the bloodthirsty, funny and passionate and a selection of the best are retold here by writer and local historian Joe McGowan. In these pages you will find little-known anecdotes of the traditional ways of Sligo’s residents, their customs and superstitions; you will find stories of epic battles and heroic deeds; and you will also hear the fantastical accounts of mythical creatures, faeries, witches and the ghosts of Connacht itself.

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize. Kolobok is a new adaptation and translation of a famous Russian folktale about a resourceful bun (a kolobok) who, as in the tale of the gingerbread man beloved of children in the West, skilfully evades the attentions of various animals. Beautifully adapted in rhyme by Sian Valvis, and with evocative new illustrations by Dovile Ciapaite, Kolobok offers English-speaking young readers a glimpse into the magic and mysticism of Russian folklore. The visceral and environmental elements that are present in Russian folktales bring to life a vivid sense of the nation’s culture and identity.

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Book Synopsis'Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.' Wassily KandinskyThere's nothing like a unicorn to give life some colour. Relax, take a break and let your imagination soar...So Keep Calm and Colour Unicorns!

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Book Synopsis Inspired by the history of Britain, from the tree under which the first trade union was formed to the branches from which outlaws were hanged, The Great British Tree Biography details the fascinating stories associated with trees throughout the history of the British Isles. How much did you know about the Glastonbury Hawthorn? A tree on the site of Glastonbury Abbey that flowers on Christmas Day, and is believed to descend from an original thorn planted on the grounds by Joseph of Arimathea. And then there's Oswald's Tree where the dismembered body of Oswald, the Christian King of Northumbria was said to have been hung by Penda, King of Mercia, as a warning to others – and from where the town of Oswestry takes its name. There is the lime that grows stubbornly on a cricket pitch in Kent, the ash tree surrounded by 19th-century gravestones in St Pancras churchyard and the Knole Oak, immortalised on the page in Virginia Woolf’s Orlando and in the video for The Beatles song Strawberry Fields Forever. From the from oak on Isle Maree in Scotland said to provide release from madness to visitors who offer coins to the tree, to the beeches in Wiltshire that inspired Tolkien, and the sycamore in London where Marc Bolan met his untimely fate, this beautifully illustrated book tells the unique history of the British Isles through its diverse collection of trees and forests. Journalist Mark Hooper also investigates the influence of British trees in folklore, art, literature, music, legend and myth, weaving a fascinating tale of Britain’s woodlands through the stories of the individual trees.Trade Review‘An eclectic miscellany of essays on 50 British trees…an absolute delight to savour one tree at a time’ -- Gardens Illustrated‘A fascinating page-turner’ -- Countryside magazine

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Book SynopsisHaving heard and learned stories of Sgiath over the past many years, I felt that the time was right to put them down in print lest they be lost. GEORGE MACPHERSON Long ago in ancient Skye, a queen is born in a storm… From the depths of Scottish folklore emerges Sgiath, an ancient warrior queen of Skye. Also known as Scáthach or Sgathaich, Skye and Dunscaith Castle – her home on the island all those years ago – are said to have been named after her. Follow her incredible journey as she turns from ordinary village girl to leader of a great army of warriors, conquering her opponents and bringing education to all. Magic and myth interweave with history in this epic tale of ancient oral storytelling that is inspirational for our modern times.

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Book SynopsisDesigned for those interested in the lore and tradition of a language, spoken until comparatively recently across much of Scotland, this is a compendium of Gaelic sayings and usage. The book includes notes, historical and social, and comparisons with sayings in different languages. Alexander Nicolson, one of the best scholars of his day, has gathered together a wide-ranging collection covering such diverse topics as women and marriage, wise men and fools, friendship and courage, and poverty and wealth. The proverbs appear in Gaelic along with the English translation, carefully preserving the pith of the original. These sayings, which as Nicolson remarks in his Preface, ’come from thatched cottages and not baronial and academic halls’, reflect keen intelligence and a distinct sense of humour. This is a comprehensive and important collection, with a foreword by Ian MacDonald of the Gaelic Books Council.

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Book SynopsisA sisterhood of deities is determined to restore balance to Earth and her inhabitants, but they must first find harmony with each other. The Dreaming Gourd reminds us that no one can go it alone and that dreams are what make life so very precious. A call to action for anyone who feels lost or small in this great big world: everyone is needed, and together we can accomplish anything. The book includes linocut-styled illustrations by the author.

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Book SynopsisThe Crock of Gold by using James Stephens is a fanciful and philosophical masterpiece that weaves together folklore, delusion, and profound insights into the human situation. Set in a mythical Irish landscape, the radical follows the adventures of a truth seeker, an evil fairy, and a leprechaun, each in pursuit of the titular Crock of Gold, which symbolizes the remaining supply of happiness and expertise. James Stephens, an Irish creator, employs rich and poetic language to explore profound subject matters such as the pursuit of expertise, the which means of happiness, and the interplay between the material and non-secular geographical regions. The characters embark on a quest that transcends the physical international, delving into the geographical regions of imagination and metaphysics. The novel is well known for its allegorical nature, mixing humor with deep philosophical musings. Through its fantastical factors and magical realism, Stephens crafts a story that invitations readers to reflect at the complexities of life. The tale unfolds as a sequence of encounters and adventures that lead the charactersand with the aid of extension, the readersin the direction of a deeper information of lifestyles's mysteries. The Crock of Gold stands as a testament to James Stephens's literary prowess, providing a completely unique and spell binding exploration of the human revel in through the lens of Irish mythology and folklore.

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Book SynopsisIn this brilliant reworking of Lewis Spence's seminal Myths and Legends of the North American Indians, Jon E. Lewis puts the work in context with an extensive new introductory essay and additional commentary throughout the book on the history of Native Americans, their language and lifestyle, culture and religion/mythology. He includes examples of myths from tribes omitted by Spence, a guide to tribes and their myths by region, a basic Lakota (Sioux) glossary, guides to key pronunciations and a bibliography.

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Book SynopsisWas there an ancient race of giants in North America? Extremely large skeletons ranging from 7 feet up to a staggering 18 feet tall have reportedly been uncovered in prehistoric mounds, burial chambers, caves and ancient battlefields. These giants have double rows of teeth, horned skulls, massive jaws and elongated skulls.Has there been a giants'' cover-up by the Smithsonian? Their records indicate at least 17 giant human skeleton acquisitions. The origin of the tall ones has been shrouded in mystery, but this book reveals where they came from, why they got so large and the reason for their downfall, using the latest scientific research, genetic data, native myths and ethnological research.Sir Francis Drake and John Smith witnessed these giants first-hand.Strange inscriptions, metal armour and sophisticated technologies were buried with the skeletonsRosicrucians, Freemasons and Theosophists all claim the existence of past giant humansAre giants connected to the Denisovans from Siberia, the Nephilim of Bible tradition and other ancient cultures?

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Book SynopsisJames Whitley is Professor in Mediterranean Archaeology at Cardiff University, UK. Between 2002 and 2007 he was Director of the British School at Athens, Greece.Trade ReviewThis is a very readable and stimulating book on one of the most visited archaeological sites in Greece, which does not focus exclusively on its Minoan (Bronze Age) palace, but explores its fascinating history in its entirety, from its humble beginnings in the Neolithic period to the present day. -- Nicoletta Momigliano, Professor of Aegean Studies, University of Bristol, UKTable of ContentsList of Tables and Figures Preface and Acknowledgements A Note on Chronology and Terminology On the spelling of and transliteration of ancient Greek names List of Abbreviations with Explanatory Note Chapter 1. Legends and Labyrinths Chapter 2. Inventing the Minoans: Arthur Evans and After Chapter 3. From Village to Palace: Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Knossos Chapter 4. Palatial Knossos: The Palace of Minos? Chapter 5. After the Palace: From the Iron Age to the Romans Chapter 6. Knossos Yesterday and Today Bibliography General Index Topographical Index

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Book SynopsisMystical Mushrooms defines the beauty of mushrooms by focusing on their magical connections and symbolic meanings through folkloric tales and superstitions throughout the world. Go for a walk in the woods on any given summer day and you may find yourself surrounded in fungi galore as they lay nestled among the ferns and trees. After a rainstorm, peek out in your backyard and you may see tiny spores sprouting from the grass, forming what is known as a fairy ring. Mushrooms grow in all shapes, sizes, and colors and—depending on where you live—you might find some that are conducive to magic practice. Mystical Mushrooms enters this realm, exploring the magical properties, mythological connections, and symbolic qualities of the fungi that so intrigue us. Author Aurora Kane takes you on a journey through the mystical universe of mushrooms. From ancient traditions to the concept of fairy rings, Kane reveals how mushrooms have long been entwined with the supernatural in art, literature, and religion. This includes topics surrounding: Magical History Spells Symbolism Spirituality Coupled with stunningly depicted artwork, Mystical Mushrooms explores the qualities of over 35 species of mushroom, displaying a range of compelling subjects surrounding the true power of these fabulous fungi.Table of ContentsContents Introduction The Fantastical Mushroom Mushroom Mystique Magical Shrooms Mushroom Ingenuity Mushroom Marvels CAESAR’S MUSHROOM Amanita caesarea FLY AGARIC Amanita muscaria DEATH CAP Amanita phalloides HONEY MUSHROOM Armillaria mellea WOOD EAR Auricularia auricula, Auricularia auricula-judae CHANTERELLE Cantharellus cibarius DEVIL’S FINGERS Clathrus archeri VIOLET CORAL Clavaria zollingeri FAIRY INKCAP Coprinellus disseminatus SHAGGY INKCAP Coprinus comatus BIRD’S NEST FUNGUS Cyathus striatus KING ALFRED’S CAKES Daldinia concentrica WEREWERE-KŌKAKO Entoloma hochstetteri EARTHSTAR Geastrum spp. PARROT WAXCAP Gliophorus psittacinus MAITAKE Grifola frondosa LION’S MANE Hericium erinaceus DEVIL’S TOOTH Hydnellum peckii BASKET FUNGUS Ileodictyon cibarium AMETHYST DECEIVER Laccaria amethystina INDIGO MILK CAP Lactarius indigo CHICKEN-OF-THE-WOODS Laetiporus sulphureus SHIITAKE Lentinula edodes PUFFBALL Lycoperdon perlatum, Calvatia, Calvatia gigantea FAIRY RING MUSHROOM Marasmius oreades MOREL Morchella spp. GHOST FUNGUS Omphalotus nidiformis JACK-O’-LANTERN Omphalotus olearius, O. illudens ZOMBIE FUNGUS Ophiocordyceps unilateralis STINKHORN Phallus impudicus BRIDAL VEIL STINKHORN Phallus indusiatus OYSTER MUSHROOM Pleurotus ostreatus PINK WAXCAP Porpolomopsis calyptriformis LIBERTY CAP Psilocybe semilanceata WRINKLED PEACH Rhodotus palmatus SCARLET ELF CUP Sarcoscypha austriaca WITCHES’ CAULDRON Sarcosoma globosum SLIPPERY JACK Suillus luteus TURKEY TAIL Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor WITCH’S BUTTER Tremella mesenterica MATSUTAKE Tricholoma matsutake TRUFFLE Tuber melanosporum, Tuber magnatum DEAD MAN’S FINGERS Xylaria polymorpha Manifesting with Mushrooms SPELLS TO SPROUT MAGIC: BELIEVE IN YOUR MAGIC PROTECTING PERSONAL BOUNDARIES INCREASING INTUITION YOU ARE PRICELESS! SECOND CHANCES FEELING CONNECTED LETTING GO THE BEST OF LUCK FREE TO BE SPORES OF HOPE BANISHING BAD ABUNDANCE PERSONAL GROWTH AGING GRACEFULLY THE “MOREL” OF THE STORY—SHARE THE WEALTH FAIRY RING OFFERING Conclusion Acknowledgments References Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"One of CHOICE’s Outstanding Academic Titles for 2017"

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"[These stories] can be appreciated by those interested in social and political history as much as folklorists, anomalists and storytellers – and for all those in need of a little (weird) reenchantment."---Olivia Armstrong, Fortean Times

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Book SynopsisFor as long as humans have inhabited the earth, we have lived alongside the multitude of other creatures with which we share our planet. However it is undoubtedly true that today most of us are not as close to the animals around us as our forebears were, and that many of the world's best loved large mammals and most beautiful birds are in danger of becoming extinct. The threats of the 21st century to the animal world make it even more pertinent to explore the many legends and folktales, myths and superstitions that reflect this past closeness, highlight our desire to explain nature's wonders and mysteries, and underline the necessity to preserve for future generations all creatures great and small.Gathered together in this fascinating book are the lore and legends of the animal world, alongside the realities of nature. Yet whatever their natural attributes, in folklore animals can do almost anything. They can be our friends and foes - and of course they can talk to each other. They can be evil witches and devils in disguise, they can bring good luck and bad. And in real life they can be our dearest companions, to the point of sheer worship.An amazing collection of fanciful superstitions, intriguing tales and amusing anecdotes, which any animal lover will truly relish.Table of Contents1 Little birds that know 14 2 The cruel crocodile 15 3 Cunning as the fox 17 4 Spider talents 18 5 A complete turkey 20 6 Safe with the dolphins 21 7 The pure and gentle dove 22 8 The stupid ass 23 9 The Devil's goat 24 10 Piggy tales 26 11 Beware the bats 28 12 The swan's pure beauty 29 13 The victory eagle 31 14 Bee messengers 32 15 The helpful robin 34 16 Hippo lore 35 17 The mighty elephant 36 18 Dirty rats 38 19 A mouse in the house 40 20 Bear strength 41 21 The lion, king of the beasts 43 22 Menacing big cats 44 23 Monkey business 45 24 Fluttering by 47 25 The wisdom of salmon 48 26 The ways of the serpent 49 27 Beetle power 51 28 Cats, good and bad 52 29 The faithful dog 54 30 For love, luck and health 56 31 Animal love signs 58 32 Money and wealth 59 33 The lucky greeting 60 34 Harm them at your peril 62 35 Predicting stormy weather 63 36 Animals at home 65 37 Birds of doom 66 38 Christmas lore 67 39 Easter rites 69 40 Beware the owl 70 41 Forecasting the weather 71 42 Groundhog Day and Candlemas 73 43 Creatures of the zodiac 74 44 Aries - the ram 76 45 Taurus - the bull 77 46 Cancer - the crab 78 47 Leo - the lion 79 48 Scorpio - the sting in the tail 80 49 Capricorn - the goat 81 50 Pisces - a fishy duo 82 51 Chinese astrology 83 52 Dreams and prophecies 86 53 Healing the stomach 87 54 To cure a fever 88 55 The dreaded cough 90 56 Blood letting leeches 91 57 To drive out illness 93 58 Maggot clinic 94 59 Just a flea bite? 95 60 Mosquitoes - the flying foe 97 61 To ease the rheumatism 98 62 Of Gods, spirits and monsters 100 63 The mystery of mermaids 102 64 Phoenix rising 104 65 Hideous winged monsters 105 66 The elusive sea serpents 107 67 Norway's own Kraken 109 68 The monster of the loch 111 69 Follow the footprints 113 70 Tales of the thunderbird 114 71 Curses of the 'were' creatures 115 72 Tales of the vampire 117 73 The croak of the evil toad 118 74 The serpent god 120 75 The unicorn - one-horned wonder 121 76 'Here be dragons' 123 77 Enter the dragon 126 78 The ghastly griffin 127 79 Magical horses 129 80 The sacred bull giant 130 81 The mighty wolf 131 82 Beware the boggart and bug-a-boo 132 83 Mystic water horses 134 84 The charming sirens 135

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