Folklore studies / Study of myth Books
Adams Media Corporation Mermaids
Book SynopsisDiscover the myths, legends, and lore behind everyone’s favorite sea creature—mermaids.The allure and mystery of mermaids has taken hold of our psyche for ages. From the Irish merrows who come on land to search for human husbands to the fake Fiji Mermaid made popular by P.T Barnum, these sea maidens (and sometimes men) can be found in folklore and mythology from every tradition in the world.Inside this captivating collection, complete with beautiful illustrations throughout, you''ll discover the myths surrounding these enigmatic beings, explore the common symbols associated with them, and learn tales of merfolk from around the world. Dive into Mermaids and get swept away!Trade Review"A mermaid found a swimming lad, Picked him for her own, Pressed her body to his body, Laughed; and plunging down Forgot in cruel happiness That even lovers drown." (William Butler Yeats)"
£13.29
New Island Books Irish Myths and Legends: Gods and Fighting Men
Book SynopsisLady Augusta Gregory’s Irish Myths and Legends, or Gods and Fighting Men as it was first titled in 1904, is an essential collection of Irish myths, legends and folk tales gathered by Gregory from Irish oral story tellers at the close of the nineteenth century. These epic tales are divided into two parts: the first charts the coming of the mythic Tuatha De Danaan to Ireland, the lives of Manannan and Lugh, and the tragedy of the Children of Lir. The second part follows the exploits and trials of Finn Mac Cumhal, the Fianna, Oisin, and the love story of Diarmuid and Grania. This is a timeless collection of Irish myths and legends - whimsical, tragic, astounding and ever familiar - borne through the centuries, and an essential part of Ireland's literary heritage.
£17.99
Hedingham Fair The Shortest Day A Little Book of the Winter
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£8.24
Chronicle Books Heroes: the Greek Myths Reimagined
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£25.46
Penguin Books Ltd Mythos
Book SynopsisStep into Stephen Fry's richly colourful world of magic, mayhem, monsters and maniacal gods in MYTHOS: THE ILLUSTRATED STORY . . .No one loves and quarrels, desires and deceives as boldly or brilliantly as Greek gods and goddesses.In Stephen Fry''s vivid retelling, we gaze in wonder as wise Athena is born from the cracking open of the great head of Zeus and follow doomed Persephone into the dark and lonely realm of the Underworld. We shiver in fear when Pandora opens her jar of evil torments and watch with joy as the legendary love affair between Eros and Psyche unfolds.Mythos: The Illustrated Story captures these extraordinary myths for our modern age in striking colour - in all their dazzling and deeply human relevance.
£29.75
Thames & Hudson Ltd The Japanese Myths
Book SynopsisThe perfect introduction to the world of Japanese myth and legend. This is a smart and succinct guide to the rich tradition of Japanese mythology, from the earliest recorded legends of Izanagi and Izanami, their divine offspring and the creation of Japan, to medieval tales of vengeful ghosts, through to the modern-day reincarnation of ancient deities as the heroes of mecha anime. While many around the world love Japanâs cultural exports, few are familiar with Japanâs unique mythology - enriched by Shinto, Buddhism and regional folklore. Mythology remains a living, evolving part of Japanese society, and the ways in which the people of Japan understand their myths are very different today even from a century ago, let alone over a millennium into the past. Offering much more than any competing overview of Japanese mythology, The Japanese Myths not only retells the ancient stories but also considers their place within the patterns of Japanese religions, culture and history, helTrade Review'Well-written, thought-provoking, and visually engaging … this book is a wonderful guide to an enduring fascination with stories and the supernatural in Japan. Frydman’s explanations prove mythology acts as a compass to guide past, present and future generations' - The Japan Society'Students, travellers, and all readers interested in the history of Japan, Japanese ideology, and the nation's current cultural products will find this authoritative work absorbing' - Library Journal'Eminently readable, interesting and authoritative ... Highly recommended' - Fortean TimesTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. What are the Japanese Myths? 2. Age of the Gods 3. The Imperial Mythos 4. Living Kami and Divine Humans 5. Canon Foreigners 6. A World Flush with Spirits 7. Invention and Rediscovery
£13.49
Batsford Ltd Treasury of Folklore: Woodlands and Forests: Wild
Book SynopsisAn entertaining and enthralling collection of myths, tales and traditions surrounding our trees, woodlands and forests from around the world. From the dark, gnarled woodlands of the north, to the humid jungles of the southern lands, trees have captured humanity’s imagination for millennia. Filled with primal gods and goddesses, dryads and the fairy tales of old, the forests still beckon to us, offering sanctuary, mystery and more than a little mischievous trickery. From insatiable cannibalistic children hewn from logs, to lumberjack lore, and the spine-chilling legend of Bloody Mary, there is much to be found between the branches. Come into the trees; witches, seductive spirits and big, bad wolves await you. With this book, Folklore Thursday aim to encourage a sense of belonging across all cultures by showing how much we all have in common. Trade Review‘Between the branches are enthralling stories, quirky customs, strange superstitions and remarkable legends’ -- The Countryman‘Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham prove their own deserved place within the folklore world with these enchanting books.’ * Fortean Times *
£12.74
New World Library Oriental Mythology: The Masks of God, Volume 2
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£21.60
Batsford Ltd Treasury of Folklore – Seas and Rivers: Sirens,
Book SynopsisEnthralling tales of the sea, rivers and lakes from around the globe. Folklore of the seas and rivers has a resonance in cultures all over the world. Watery hopes, fears and dreams are shared by all peoples where rivers flow and waves crash. This fascinating book covers English sailor superstitions and shape-shifting pink dolphins of the Amazon, Scylla and Charybdis, the many guises of Mami Wata, the tale of the Yoruba River spirit, the water horses of the Scottish lochs, the infamous mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, and much more. Accompanied by stunning woodcut illustrations, popular authors Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham explore the deep history and enduring significance of water folklore the world over, from mermaids, selkies and sirens to ghostly ships and the fountains of youth. With this book, Folklore Thursday aims to encourage a sense of belonging across all cultures by showing how much we all have in common.Trade Review‘From selkies and sirens to the mysterious monsters of Scottish lochs, there is much to enlighten and entertain in this splendid collection of watery folklore’ -- The Countryman'A broad-brush and culturally diverse overview of the many facets of watery folklore, this Treasury of Folklore is a welcome addition to the literature, and one that is sure to please and inform a wide audience’ -- Folklore‘Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham prove their own deserved place within the folklore world with these enchanting books.' * Fortean Times *
£12.34
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Once Upon A Time... there was an Old Woman A Tale
Book SynopsisIntroduce your little one to fables and fairy tales from around the world with this spellbinding series of board books for children. Every day, an old woman fetches water from the river using two pots. One of the pots leaks, but the old woman sees the good that the leaking pot brings to the world. This charming re-telling of the Chinese tale is the perfect length for bedtime reading and Maja Andersen''s colourful illustrations bring the magic and wonder of the tale to life. It is sure to be a storybook that little ones will treasure forever.
£7.59
Usborne Publishing Ltd Magicborn
Book SynopsisThe Curse is changed. You'll never know. The truth is lost. The lie will grow. The year is 1726 and the Royal Sorcerer of England is on the hunt for those who are Magicborn. When Tempest is captured, she is taken to Kensington Palace alongside a boy like her, Thomas. Trapped, Tempest and Thomas find their magic flickering to life and, with it, long-buried memories. For they are the lost prince and princess of Fairyland, bound by a deadly curse. But now the fairies are coming to get them, and with the truth revealed...can they both survive? The first in a sumptuous and enthralling new historical-fantasy adventure series from the bestselling author of The Cogheart Adventures.Trade ReviewThis is glorious storytelling rich in magic, adventure, danger and intrigue. * The Bookseller *Enthralling storytelling. * Abi Elphinstone, author of Ever Dark *A magnificent tale of courage, faith and friendship. * Piers Torday, author of The Last Wild trilogy *A roller coaster of a story that left me breathless at the magical mayhem and characters...created. It's unlike anything I've read before. Superb! * Yaba Badoe, author of Lionheart Girl *Magicborn has everything I want in a story and more - magic, characters you root for with each breath and writing that sings from the page. Peter Bunzl has created such a vivid world. It sparkles with fairy-dust and originality - bravo! * Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & the Spirit Bird *
£7.59
Regnery Publishing Inc J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth: Understanding
Book SynopsisWith a new introduction by the authorPeter Jackson's film version of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy - and the accompanying Rings-related paraphernalia and publicity - has played a unique role in the disemmination of Tolkien's imaginative creation to the masses. Yet, for most readers and viewers, the underlying meaning of Middle-earth has remained obscure. Bradley Birzer has remedied that with this fresh study. In J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle-earth, Birzer reveals the surprisingly specific religious symbolism that permeates Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. He also explores the social and political views that motivated the Oxford don, ultimately situating Tolkien within the Christian humanist tradition represented by Thomas More and T.S. Eliot, Dante and C.S. Lewis. Birzer argues that through the genre of myth Tolkien created a world that is essentially truer than the one we think we see around us everyday, a world that transcends the colorless disenchantment of our postmodern age.
£16.83
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Conquered
Book SynopsisOutstanding. - The Sunday TimesBeautifully written. The TimesSuperbly adroit. The SpectatorExcellent. BBC History MagazineThe Battle of Hastings and its aftermath nearly wiped out the leading families of Anglo-Saxon England so what happened to the children this conflict left behind?Conquered offers a fresh take on the Norman Conquest by exploring the lives of those children, who found themselves uprooted by the dramatic events of 1066. Among them were the children of Harold Godwineson and his brothers, survivors of a family shattered by violence who were led by their courageous grandmother Gytha to start again elsewhere. Then there were the last remaining heirs of the Anglo-Saxon royal line Edgar Ætheling, Margaret, and Christina who sought refuge in Scotland, where Margaret became a beloved queen and saint. Other survivors, such as Waltheof of Northumbria and Fenland hero Hereward, became Trade ReviewConquered is beautifully produced and written with flair and great scholarly acumen. Parker teaches medieval English literature at the University of Oxford and she dedicates her book to her students. Because of the pandemic these young people, she points out, like the young people in her book, have had to cope with upheaval, loss and a sudden change in the expected course of their lives. They have faced it with courage and determination, but, she writes, “it is no doubt an experience that will remain with them”. -- John Carey * The Sunday Times *In her superbly adroit new history, Eleanor Parker examines how memories of Edgar and his like – the generation that straddled the Conquest – survived, or were melded to meet the needs of the time…. It is much to the credit of Parker’s sensitivity as a scholar that, almost 1,000 years later, she has been able to resurrect, often from silence, the pathos of those decades and the plight of those who endured them. -- Alex Burghart * The Spectator *This outstanding, beautifully written history follows the young Anglo-Saxons whose lives were shattered by the Norman conquest. -- Andrew Holgate and Robbie Millen * The Times, Best Books of 2022 *This excellent book offers an original premise: that there is much to learn by considering the children whose lives were upended by the Conquest… Parker insightfully shows how the experiences of these children of Anglo-Saxons (among others) illustrate the accommodations being made in England as conquered and conquerors adjusted to the new reality, and reframed the 1066 narrative for future generations. -- Dave Musgrove * BBC History Magazine *A child grasps a woman’s hand as they flee a house being torched by two men seemingly unconcerned for their plight. This image, embroidered onto the Bayeux Tapestry several years after 1066, is a hauntingly timeless reminder of the devastation warfare and conquest can wreak on individuals, families and communities... Conquered narrates their stories vividly and knowledgably in a refreshing departure from popular narratives of the Norman Conquest, which concentrate on the political and military concerns of adult men. -- Emily J. Ward * Times Literary Supplement *Fascinating and accessible. -- Sarah Foot * The Church Times *This book is a revelation. What it demonstrates is the international inter-connectedness of the pre-Norman secular and ecclesiastical aristocracy. -- Duncan Bowie * The Charist *Eleanor Parker has written an innovative book in clear and evocative language. She invites the reader to engage with an idea we do not often consider—that many of the European historical sources from the late-11th century were written by people whose childhoods were defined by the Norman Conquest. Parker’s use of Icelandic Sagas and other non-English texts shows us the world in which these “conquered” children lived and worked, exploring how their stories continued past 1066 and its aftermath. * Dr Janet Kay, Associate Research Scholar and Lecturer, Department of Art and Archaeology, Princeton University, USA *Eleanor Parker brings to life what the upheaval of the Norman Conquest meant for men and women in England. Following the personal experiences of individuals, she eloquently evokes the loss and uncertainty of the age. This is a book of rich stories of misfortune, perseverance and adaptability, told in an accessible yet authoritative voice. * Dr Rory Naismith, Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic and Fellow of Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, UK *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements Genealogical Tables Introduction 1. Hero of the English: Hereward 2. A Sparrow in the Snare: Margaret of Scotland 3. A Lost Generation: The Grandchildren of Gytha and Godwine 4. Warrior, Traitor, and Martyr: Waltheof 5. Child of Memory: Eadmer of Canterbury Epilogue: New Englands Bibliography Index
£11.69
Chronicle Books Tales of East Africa
Book SynopsisTales of East Africa is a collection of 22 traditional tales from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.Welcome to a world of magical adventure—a place where a boy spares the life of a fearsome monster, a flock of doves brings a girl back from the dead, and a hare wreaks havoc among all the other animals. Translated and transcribed by folklorists and anthropologists in the early 20th century, these stories evoke the distinctive beauty and irresistible humor of East African folklore.• The tales come alive alongside bold, contemporary art in this special illustrated edition.• Each story transports readers to an enthralling world.• Part of the popular Tales series, featuring Tales of Japan, Celtic Tales, and Tales of IndiaTales of East Africa will enthrall fans of fairytales and captivate those interested in East Africa''s rich history and culture.Readers will encounte
£15.29
New World Library Romance of the Grail
Book Synopsis The first collection of Joseph Campbell’s writings and lectures on the Arthurian romances of the Middle Ages, a central focus of his celebrated scholarship, edited and introduced by Arthurian scholar Evans Lansing Smith, PhD, the chair of Mythological Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute.Throughout his life, Joseph Campbell was deeply engaged in the study of the Grail Quests and Arthurian legends of the European Middle Ages. In this new volume of the Collected Works of Joseph Campbell, editor Evans Lansing Smith collects Campbell’s writings and lectures on Arthurian legends, including his never-before-published master’s thesis on Arthurian myth, A Study of the Dolorous Stroke.” Campbell’s writing captures the incredible stories of such figures as Merlin, Gawain, and Guinevere as well as the larger patterns and meanings revealed in these myths. Merlin’s death and Arthur receiving Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake,
£19.55
Adams Media Corporation Women of Myth: From Deer Woman and Mami Wata to
Book SynopsisUncover the fascinating and complex women from mythology and folklore with this collection of stories profiling powerful goddesses, mighty queens, and legendary creatures. Get inspired with 50 fascinating stories of powerful female figures from mythologies around the world. From heroines and deities to leaders and mythical creatures, this collection explores figures of myth who can inspire modern readers with their ability to shape our culture with the stories of their power, wisdom,compassion, and cunning. Featured characters include: -Atalanta: Greek heroine and huntress who killed the Caledonia Boar and joined the Argonauts -Sky-Woman: The first woman in Iroquois myth who fell through a hole in the sky and into our world -Pele: Hawaiian volcano goddess -Clídna: Queen of the Banshees in Irish legend -La Llorona: A ghostly woman in Mexican folklore who wanders the waterfront Celebrate these game-changing, attention-worthy female characters with this collection of engaging tales.Trade Review"McMenemy and Williamson's book helps debunk such archetypal stereotypes while shedding crucial light on the glory of women in mythology." —The Teen Mag"A must-have for your collection." —The Frumious Consortium“This is a treasure trove of a book; beautifully illustrated and packed with rich and fascinating knowledge. It's an absolute must for fans of all mythology; a joyful and diverse celebration of brilliant and formidable women.” —Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne
£11.69
Birlinn General A Dictionary of Scottish Phrase and Fable
Book SynopsisINCLUDES HUNDREDS OF NEW AND EXPANDED ENTRIES From ‘Aald Rock’ to ‘Zeenty-teenty’, A Dictionary of Scottish Phrase and Fable is an unputdownable gallimaufry of curious items embracing sayings, put-downs, insults, mottos, traditions, legends, folklore, customs, festivals, games, songs, dances, nicknames – and much, much more. This new edition features many expanded entries, as well as completely new ones – including Big Tam, the Third Forth Bridge, the Loony Dook and the War of the One-eyed Woman. The result is a kaleidoscopic snapshot of the Scottish nation, both past and present, from the mythical origins of the Scots in ancient Scythia to the foibles of modern Follyrood, from Sawney Bean to Oor Wullie, from ‘The end of an old song’ to ‘Aw fur coat and nae knickers’, from The Heart of Midlothian to ‘Ye cannae shove yer granny aff a bus’. In more than 4,500 such entries, A Dictionary of Scottish Phrase and Fable weaves an endlessly entertaining tapestry incorporating the texture and fabric of a nation’s ever-shifting sense of itself.Trade Review'Wilfully idiosyncratic yet curiously useful . . . A lightly erudite and well-informed work of eclectic scholarship' * Times Literary Supplement *'Compelling and quirky . . . under Ian Crofton’s eye, the rollicking spirit of Scotland, old and modern, comes proudly alive . . . A lifesaver for those in need of diversion and enlightenment' * Sunday Herald *'This is such a linguistic and etymological treasure trove that once picked up it is virtually impossible to put down' * Scottish Field *'A book that will provide many happy hours of dipping into . . . A sheer joy' * Scottish Life *'It is nigh impossible to reach the item you first set out to read without being sidetracked by other beguiling morsels' * The Herald *'A fascinating collection of words, phrases and stories' * Dundee Courier *
£26.25
Art Publishers How the Zebra Got His Stripes
Book SynopsisEver wondered how the Zebra got his wonderful coat of stripes. This story adapted from an original African folklore tale will tell you! This paperback book comes complete with stickers for interactive storytelling which your little one can get involved in the story.
£7.59
Harvard University Press The Bear
Book SynopsisFrom antiquity to the Middle Ages, the bear’s centrality in cults and mythologies left traces in European languages, literatures, and legends. Michel Pastoureau considers how this once venerated creature was deposed by Christianity and continued to sink lower in the symbolic bestiary before rising again in Pyrrhic triumph as the teddy bear.Trade ReviewPastoureau brings erudition and expertise to his subject as he traces how the bear was a venerated figure in pagan Europe, but dethroned as king of beasts by Christianity. He makes an important contribution by providing a long history of the bear, an animal whose symbolic importance is unknown by many. Readers will be treated to an elegant review of medieval history and theology, as well as informed discussions about the art on cave walls, the boundary between humans and animals in Greek myth, the philosophical foundations of natural history from Aristotle to Buffon, and a wealth of information about popular culture during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. -- Matthew Senior, Oberlin CollegeThe scholarship displayed in this groundbreaking study is the best kind: deep, broad, imaginative. Medievalist Pastoureau takes on the history of the bear, that exceptional animal once said to most resemble man. Once king of the beasts in the West, at times even god, the bear was hunted down in Europe from the time of Charlemagne (d. 814) and its image systematically degraded. By the end of the 12th century, the bear's place as king of the beasts had been usurped by the lion. Henceforth the bear was largely a figure of ridicule. How did this happen? What purposes did the change serve? Pastoureau uses evidence from history, textual analysis, heraldry, anthropology, and iconography to produce an eclectic study that not only reads like a dream but opens avenues for future research. -- David Keymer * Library Journal *William Kotzwinkle (The Bear Went Over the Mountain) and Bella Pollen (The Summer of the Bear) have already demonstrated the appeal of ursine protagonists. But their treatment of our bruinish cousins is nowhere near as encyclopedic as that of Michel Pastoureau, who starts his survey in prehistory and rambles down to the present, tracing the biology, allure, and legends of bears right up to the cuddly teddy bear that represents a hearthside version of the former king of beasts. * Barnes & Noble Review *The animal that dominated the forests of prehistoric and early medieval Europe--and the collective unconscious of Europeans--was, naturally, the largest and strongest creature there, the brown bear...Uncannily human-like in its diet, supposed sexual tastes and ability to stand upright, the bear was seen as an intermediary creature dwelling between the human and animal worlds. It appears in countless myths: Paris, who stole away Helen and sparked the Trojan War, was raised by a she-bear whose milk gave him a taste for abduction. And it has always provided personal names in various European languages, from the epic hero Beowulf (meaning bee-wolf, meaning honey-loving bear) to tennis ace Bjorn (Bear) Borg. What drove Europe's king of beasts from his throne and demoted him to the pitiful dancing entertainer of the late Middle Ages is the core of Pastoureau's engrossing book. And the short answer is Christianity. -- Brian Bethune * Maclean's *The chief subject of Pastoureau's fascinating book...is not the prominent place bears once held in the human imagination but the manner in which they fell from that place. -- Christopher R. Beha * New York Times Book Review *
£22.46
Headline Publishing Group Chivalry
Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning creators Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran comes a stunning new graphic novel.An elderly widow buys what turns out to be the Holy Grail from a second-hand shop, setting her off on an epic adventure with a knight who brings her gifts of ancient relics in hope of winning the cup.From the Eisner and Bram Stoker-award winning team of Snow, Glass, Apples comes a delightfully humorous and charming new graphic novel adaptation.---''Like Ray Bradbury before him, [Neil Gaiman] writes lovely little horror stories, fairy tales and fantasies which are as familiar as they are fabulous, stories that are never quite what the reader expects...'' A.V. CLUB''A combination of a superb script, with Gaiman at his evocative, inventive best, and masterful artwork from Doran'' STARBURST on Snow, Glass, ApplesTrade ReviewThis sumptuous, adults-only comic book adaptation brings the acclaimed writer's short story to vivid life . . . [Doran] creates imagery and visuals that'll linger in your mind's eye long after you close the book . . .Snow, Glass, Apples is a combination of a superb script, with Gaiman at his evocative, inventive best, and masterful artwork from Doran. * Starburst *A must for any fan of American Gods or the work of Neil Gaiman... [sitting] alongside the TV series and the novel as another way to tackle and understand Gaiman's deep, rich narrative * Starburst *
£13.49
Penguin Books Ltd Early Irish Myths and Sagas Penguin Classics
Book SynopsisFirst written down in the eighth century AD, these early Irish stories depict a far older world—part myth, part legend and part history. Rich with magic and achingly beautiful, they speak of a land of heroic battles, intense love and warrior ideals, in which the otherworld is explored and men mingle freely with the gods. From the vivid adventures of the great Celtic hero Cu Chulaind, to the stunning Exile of the Sons of Uisliu—a tale of treachery, honour and romance—these are masterpieces of passion and vitality, and form the foundation for the Irish literary tradition: a mythic legacy that was a powerful influence on the work of Yeats, Synge and Joyce.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to providTable of ContentsEarly Irish Myths and SagasIntroduction:Early Irish Myths and SagasThe CeltsThe IrishIrish StorytellingThe Irish ManuscriptsThe Irish MaterialThis TranslationBibliographyA Note on the Pronunciation of Irish Words and NamesA Note on Irish GeographyMap: Early IrelandEarly Irish Myths and SagasThe Wooing of ÉtaínThe Destruction of Da Derga's HostelThe Dream of ÓengusThe Cattle Raid of FróechThe Labour Pains of the Ulaid and the Twins of MachaThe Birth of Cú ChulaindThe Boyhood Deeds of Cú ChulaindThe Death of Aife's Only SonThe Wasting Sickness of Cú Chulaind and the Only Jealousy of EmerThe Tale of Macc Da Thó's PigThe Intoxication of the UlaidBricriu's FeastThe Exile of the Sons of UisliuNotes Index
£8.99
Oxford University Press Myths from Mesopotamia
Book SynopsisThe ancient civilization of Mesopotamia thrived between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates over 4,000 years ago. The myths collected here, originally written in cuneiform on clay tablets, include parallels with the biblical stories of the Creation and the Flood, and the famous Epic of Gilgamesh, the tale of a man of great strength, whose heroic quest for immortality is dashed through one moment of weakness. Recent developments in Akkadian grammar and lexicography mean that this new translation, complete with notes, a glossary of deities, place-names, and key terms, and illustrations of the mythical monsters featured in the text, will replace all other versions.Trade Review`has the great merit of including not only the obvious Gilgamesh and Creation texts but also the Atrahasis, Adapa, Etana, Anzu, and Erra stories and even the slight but highly suggestive "Theogony of Dunnu"' Greece & Rome'handsomely produced book' A.R. George, SOAS BUlletin'her enterprise is to be warmly welcomed' John Dillon, Trinity College, Dublin, HermatheraTable of ContentsAtrahasis; The Epic of Gilgamesh; The Descent of Ishtar to the Underworld; Nergal and Ereshkigal; Adapa; Etana; Anzu; The Epic of Creation; Theology of Dunnu; Erra and Ishum
£8.54
Hay House UK The Fairy Tale Heroine Oracle
Book SynopsisA magical 48-card oracle deck from the best-selling author of If Women Rose Rooted and Hagitude, drawing on the transformative power of fairy tales to help you believe in the possibility of change.Humans are natural storytellers, making sense of the world through tales, especially those encountered in childhood. Fairy tales are the finest teaching stories, holding rich, deep lessons that show us a pathway toward change and how to live more fully in the world. At their heart is the theme of transformation.Sharon Blackie, an award-winning writer, psychologist, andinternationally recognized teacher in the field of mythic imagination, hasexplored the power of fairy tales for over two decades. In The Fairy Tale Heroine Oracle, she distils this wisdom and knowledge into 48 cards that unlock the archetypal power of these tales.The cards are divided into four suits, each of which represents a critical aspect of the heroine?s journey, and your journey, because you are the heroine of your own life: Tasks cards represent the work that must be undertaken by the fairy tale heroine to grow and transform, and ultimately to reach her goal. Places cards depict the magical locations through which the heroine will have to pass?and in which she?ll be tested?during her journey. Guides cards characterize the allies and antagonists she?ll meet along the way. Tools cards portray the objects that empower her to fulfil her destiny. The archetypal images, characters and motifs at the heart of this deck act like keys to unlock your inner wisdom, and will offer comfort, guidance, and inspiration at every point of your long, winding journey through life.
£17.99
Viking Society for Northern Research FolkStories of Iceland
Book Synopsis
£11.40
HarperCollins Publishers The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft
Book SynopsisFollowing on from the hugely successful Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, comes the next bumper encyclopedia celebrating all facets of witchcraft. This definite book is the most comprehensive, authoritative and entertaining guide you''ll ever find on the mythology, folklore and traditions of magic.In this mammoth magical treasure trove, Judika Illes explores the history, folklore, spirituality, and mythology of witchcraft. A feast of facts and curiosities, rooted in magical and spiritual traditions, from all over the world, there are recipes from the witch''s cauldron, magical sacred dates, and methods of witches'' flights. Discover how witchcraft has inspired popular culture from Shakespeare to Harry Potter, and how witches have suffered persecution and death in centuries past.Packed full of amazing facts, bizarre information and fascinating stories, you will also be introduced to mythic witches, modern witches, sacred goddess witches, even demon witches, male and female witches, and witches from all over the globe.Ideal for both the dedicated follower and casual reader, as a perfect gift for yourself or someone else to treasure, this definitive encyclopedia is essential reading for anyone interested in folklore, mythology and magic.Trade ReviewPrevious publications:Earth Mother Magic: Ancient Spells for Modern Belles (Fair Winds Press, 2001) Emergency Magic! 150 Spells for Surviving the Worst-Case Scenario (Fair Winds Press, 2002) Spells: The Anthology (Seventh House Publications, 2002) Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells (Element, 2004)
£29.75
HarperCollins Publishers Shadowmagic (Shadowmagic, Book 1)
Book SynopsisA Lord of the Rings for the 21st century. Only a lot shorter. And funnier. And completely different. Conor thought he was an average teenager. OK, so his father only had one hand, spoke to him in ancient languages and was a bit on the eccentric side but, other than that, life was fairly normal. Until, that is, two Celtic warriors on horseback and wearing full armour appear at his front door and try to kill him. After that, things get pretty weird. Shadowmagic is a fantasy adventure for young adults (although grown ups will like it too). Written by one of the most popular magicians in the country it brings a fresh approach to the genre and will have a broad appeal beyond the fantasy sections.Trade Review‘If Percy Jackson were to be hurled across dimensions into Middle Earth, you might hope to see a story like this one evolve.’ Mark Robson, author of the Dragon Orb and Imperial Spy books
£7.59
Indiana University Press The Fortunes of Wangrin
Book SynopsisThe first international English-language publication of Hampate Ba's acclaimed novel.Trade Review"I think this is perhaps the best African novel on colonialism and it draws very richly on various modes of oral literature." Ralph Austen, University of Chicago "It is a wonderful introduction to colonial rule as experienced by Africans, and in particular, to the rule of African middlemen." Martin A. Klein, University of Toronto "The Fortunes of Wangrin is not only a wonderful novel by one of Africa's most renowned intellectuals, it is also literally filled with information about French colonization and its impact on traditional African societies, African resistance and collaboration to colonization, the impact of French education in Africa, and a host of other subjects of interest." Francois Manchuelle, New York UniversityTable of ContentsForewordOverture1. The Birth2. Diagaramba3. First Confrontation4. The Beginning of a Career5. Where the Calamities of Some. . .6. The Storm Breaks7. The Count's Messenger8. The Trial9. The Donkey Who Drank Honey10. Romo's Son and Beautiful Pugubila11. The Death of a Great Chief and What Came Out of It12. The Ambush13. The Calamitous Bird's Eggs14. A Cumbersome Turban15. Where Each Gets His Due16. The Dream of the Fulbe Shepherdess17. Pretty Much in the Lion's Jaws18. Where Wangrin is Off Once Again to a Good Start19. A Profitable Pledge20. The Reconversion21. An Elephant's Tale22. A Disquieting Arrival23. Pretty Doe of the Markets24. Two Birds with One Stone25. A Narrow Escape26. . . . In Which Romo Keeps His Promise. . .and Wangrin His27. A Souvenir That Bears Wangrin's Trademark28. First Warning: The Hausa Geomancer29. Madame White-White30. Second and Third Warnings: A Fatal Oversight and the Sacred Python31. Madame "Good Offices"32. The Irreparable Loss33. Last Warning: The Dove with a Black Ring Circling Half Her Neck34. Philosopher Tramp35. The Three Bloods and Death36. Adieu
£17.09
Orion Publishing Co The Mabinogion
Book Synopsis''So they took the blossoms of the oak, and the blossoms of the broom, and the blossoms of the meadow-sweet, and produced from them a maiden, the fairest and most graceful that man ever saw...'' In this superb collection of tales, Celtic mythology and Arthurian romance come together to form a fascinating, deep-seated and powerful interpretation of British history. The tales include the story of the shape-shifter, Gwydion, who created a woman out of flowers; a murdered husband turned into an eagle; Math the magician; a magical board, dragons witches and giants.These wondrous creatures live in the same world as kings and heroes, quests for honour, and stories of revenge, chivalry, honour and love. THE MABINOGIAN remains one of the greatest and most influential works of myth and legend ever created.Trade ReviewA magnificent achievement ... it is hard to think that in scholarship or as a piece of English prose the present translation will ever be bettered * THE WELSH REVIEW *Magisterial ... the authoritative translation, notable for its meticulous scholarship and a fine literary style * OXFORD COMPANION TO THE LITERATURE OF WALES *
£9.49
Random House USA Inc DAulaires Book of Greek Myths
Book SynopsisI doubt I would have grown up to be the writer and artist I became had I not fallen in love with D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths at the age of seven.—R. J. Palacio, author of Wonder.Now updated with a new cover and an afterword featuring never-before-published drawings from the sketchbook of Ingri and Edgar D''Aulaire, plus an essay about their life and work and photos from the family achive.In print for over fifty years, D''Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers. Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come. “For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book “The drawings . . . are excellent and excitingly evocative.”—The New York Times A New York Public Library’s 100 Great Children’s Books100 Years selection An NPR 100 Must-Reads for Kids 9–14 selection
£15.29
HarperCollins Publishers Beasts and Beauty
Book SynopsisYou think you know these stories, don't you?You are wrong.You don't know them at all.Twelve tales, twelve dangerous tales of mystery, magic, and rebellious hearts. Each twists like a spindle to reveal truths full of warning and triumph, truths that free hearts long kept tame, truths that explore life . . . and death.A prince has a surprising awakening . . .A beauty fights like a beast . . .A boy refuses to become prey . . .A path to happiness is lost . . . then found again.New York Times bestselling author Soman Chainani respins old stories into fresh fairy tales for a new era and creates a world like no other. These stories know you. They understand you. They reflect you. They are tales for our times. So read on, if you dare.Trade Review‘Terrifying, chilling, unexpected, and glorious. A must-read for any fairy tale devotee who wants to view classic stories through a new lens’ Medium ‘Sly, subversive and full of teeth – Chainani's reimagining of classic fairytales is an unsettling homage that transports its readers through tales both horrifying and humorous, sweet and scary, and, of course…beastly and beautiful’ Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves ‘These stories cut straight to the heart and will leave you begging to stay in their shadows just a few pages longer. Prepare to rethink all those happily ever afters . . . and love every minute of it’ Alexandra Bracken, author of Lore and the Darkest Minds series ‘This is what happens when fairytales grow up. Fierce, frightening, satisfying, and empowering, teens will devour this . . . unless it devours them first. I love this book’ Adam Gidwitz, author of_A Tale Dark and Grimm ‘A brillaint reinvention of tales we thought we knew. Soman Chainani gives us the fairy tales we need today. A vibrant and necessary addition to every modern collection’ Tahereh Mafi, author of the Shatter Me series ‘Chainani takes 12 time-honored tales and overhauls their traditional tellings, adding an astonishing amount of depth and beauty in the process. Lush, transporting, and occasionally eerie, easily conjuring fantastical worlds … An intriguing and inclusive update for modern audiences’ Booklist ‘A volume that transports readers to a place where the lines between beastly natures and beautiful appearances can be difficult to discern. Expertly crafted … For any lover of fairy tales who seeks alternative endings’ Kirkus
£13.59
HarperCollins Publishers Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Collins Classics
Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.A green horse great and tall;A steed full stiff to guide,In broidered bridle allHe worthily bestridesDating from around 1400 and composed by an anonymous writer, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was first translated and published almost 200 years ago. Its epic nature has not been dimmed by time: the classic story of a knight on a green steed challenging Sir Gawain to a monumental wager, it is a strange tale full of decapitations, seduction and magic.Soon to be brought to the big screen, Sir Gawain is one of the earliest great stories of English literature.
£5.05
Shambhala The Interpretation of Fairy Tales
Book SynopsisA Jungian psychologist argues how careful analyses of fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast can lead to a deeper understanding of human psychology Of the various types of mythological literature, fairy tales are the simplest and purest expressions of the collective unconscious and thus offer the clearest understanding of the basic patterns of the human psyche. Every people or nation has its own way of experiencing this psychic reality, and so a study of the world''s fairy tales yields a wealth of insights into the archetypal experiences of humankind. Perhaps the foremost authority on the psychological interpretation of fairy tales is Marie-Louise von Franz. In this book—originally published as An Introduction to the Interpretation of Fairy Tales —she describes the steps involved in analyzing and illustrates them with a variety of European tales, from Beauty and the Beast to The Robber Bridegroom. Dr. von Franz begins with a history of the study of fairy tales and the various theories of interpretation. By way of illustration, she presents a detailed examination of a simple Grimm’s tale, The Three Feathers, followed by a comprehensive discussion of motifs related to Jung’s concept of the shadow, the anima, and the animus. This revised edition has been corrected and updated by the author.
£18.40
Penguin Random House India Sita
Book SynopsisSita, a revered princess of Mithila, chose acceptance and grace in her life filled with sacrifice. Her deep love for Rama and infinite patience reflect her divine yet human nature. Through Bhanumathi's narration, we see the world through Sita's eyes, feeling her emotions and understanding the true strength of a woman.
£10.78
Inner Traditions Bear and Company Indian Mythology
Book SynopsisAn exploration of 99 classic myths of India from an entirely non-Western paradigm that provides a fresh understanding of the Hindu spiritual landscape.Trade Review"Further calls on the ability of the Western mind to see from another point of view." * ForeWord, 2004, Vol.7 No.1 *"I cannot praise this book highly enough. Pattanaik is a gifted teacher and writer." * Alicia Elkins, Rambles, May 2004 *Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1--Mythology: Studying Myth Vishnu and the Earth Cow (Bhagavata Purana) Myth and Mythology Expressions of Myth Renuka's Umbrella (Mahabharata) • Renuka's Infidelity (Mahabharata) • Renuka's Head (Yellamma Mahatmya) • Arjuna and the Navagunjara • (Orissan folklore based on the Mahabharata) • The Half-Woman God (Tamil Temple Lore) • A Golden Effigy of Sita (Uttara Ramayana) • Lakshmi's Symbols (Orissan folklore) The Function of Myth Rama's Ring (Folklore based on the Ramayana) • A Palace for Indra (Brahmavaivarta Purana) • Shambuka Beheaded (Uttara Ramayana) • The Beheading of Brahma (Shiva Purana) Coping Through Mythmaking Conclusion Chapter 2--Mythosphere: Comparing Myths The Idea of God Harishchandra (Bhagavata Purana) • The Past Life of Yashoda and Nanda (Padma Purana) • The Doorkeepers of Vishnu (Bhagavata Purana) Devils and Demons Why Rama Went into Exile (Ramayana) • The Curse of Gandhari (Mahabharata) • The Offering of Bel Leaves (Linga Purana) • Indra Seduces Ahalya (Ramayana) • Churning the Ocean to Find Shri (Bhagavata Purana) Creation with a Difference The Birth of the Three Gods (Folklore) • Brahma Opens His Eyes (Vishnu Purana) • Brahma's Mind-Born Sons (Brahmavaivarta Purana) • Brahma Splits Himself (Shiva Purana) • The Creation of Death (Mahabharata) • Transformations of the Daughter (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad) Heaven or Hell The Birth of Urvashi (Bhagavata Purana) • Mahabhisha (Mahabharata) • Agastya's Ancestors (Mahabharata) • Heaven for Markandeya (Linga Purana) • The Death of Yama (Rig Veda) • Vishnu Cursed (Padma Purana) • Fish to the Rescue (Matsya Purana) Conclusion Chapter 3--Mythopoesis: Transforming Myth March of the Vedic Hymns The Beheading of Vishwarupa (Mahabharata) • Durvasa's Curse (Padma Purana) • Mount Vindhya Bows (Uttara Ramayana) • The Birth of River Kaveri (Kaveri Mahatmya) • Repelling Taraka (Ramayana) • Rama Befriends the Monkeys (Ramayana) • The Burning of Khandavaprastha (Mahabharata) • The Marriage of Marisha (Bhagavata Purana) • The Body of Society (Rig Veda) • Vishwamitra Becomes a Rishi (Bhagavata Purana) • Ekalavya (Mahabharata) • Atoning for Killing Ravana (Rishikesh Sthala Purana) • Ammaveru's Husband (South Indian folklore) • The Birth of Krishna (Harivamsa) The Ascetic Ideal Parashurama Destroys the Warrior Race (Vishnu Purana) • The Golden Mongoose (Mahabharata) • Yagnavalkya Rebels (Brahmanda Purana) • Nachiketa Questions Yama (Katha Upanishad) • Vidura's Past Life (Mahabharata) • Shiva Enlightens Matsyendra-nath (Nav-Nath-Charitra) • The Destruction of Daksha's Yagna (Skanda Purana) • Kapila's Fiery Glance (Ramayana) • Trishanku (Vishnu Purana) • Kumbhakarna's Asceticism (Ramayana) • Dadhichi's Head (Jaiminya Brahmana) • Dadhichi's Bones (Mahabharata) • Vishwamitra and Menaka (Bhagavata Purana) • The Seduction of Rishyashringa (Mahabharata) • The Birth of Skanda (Skanda Purana) • Shilavati's Chastity (Brahmanda Purana) The Birth of God Krishna Humbles Indra (Bhagavata Purana) • Kali's Tongue (Kalika Purana) • Vishnu Enlightens Brahma (Vishnu Purana) • Shiva the Dancer (Skanda Purana) • The Return of Vyasa's Son (Devi Bhagavata Purana) • The Death of Parikshit (Bhagavata Purana) • The Power of Rama's Name (Ramayana) • The Idol in the Termite Hill (Temple lore) • The Marriage of Valli (Skanda Purana) • The Descent of Ganga (Shiva Purana) • The Pillar of Fire (Shiva Purana) • Mohini to the Rescue (Vishnu Purana) • The Birth of Ayyappa (Sabarimalai Sthala Purana) • God Turns for Kanaka Dasa (Udipi Sthala Purana) • The Hunter's Eye (Periyar Purana) Invasions and Immigrations The Death of the Pandavas (Mahabharata) • Manikantha and Vavar (Sabarimalai Sthala Purana) • Ranganatha's Muslim Bride (Shrirangam Sthala Purana) Conclusion Chapter 4--Mythography: Interpreting Myth History and Prehistory The Sons of Kadru and Vinata (Mahabharata) • Yudhishtira's Horse Sacrifice (Mahabharata) • Krishna's Early Life (Harivamsa) • Krishna's Later Life (Mahabharata) • The Sacrifice of Sunahshepas (Mahabharata) • The Children of Vichitravirya (Mahabharata) • Oghavati's Obedience (Mahabharata) • Gandhari's Children (Mahabharata) • Krishna Curses Ashwathama (Mahabharata) • Shiva Destroys Tripura (Linga Purana) Strategic Charters The Churning of Vena's Corpse (Bhagavata Purana) • Shvetaketu's Law (Mahabharata) • The Marriage of Draupadi (Mahabharata) • Shiva Blesses Draupadi (Mahabharata) • Vrinda's Chastity (Shiva Purana) • Sita's Chastity (Uttara Ramayana) • Three Boons for Kaikeyi (Ramayana) • How Mountains Came into Being (Bhagavata Purana) • Dhruva (Folklore based on the Bhagavata Purana) • Donations for Venkateshwara (Tirumalai Sthala Purana) • Jayadeva's Verse (Folklore) This in Terms of That Chandra and the Nakshatras (Somnath Sthala Purana) • Rudra and Prajapati (Shatapatha Brahmana) • Sapta Rishis and Their Wives (Mahabharata) • Krishna's Rasa Leela (Gita Govinda) • The Rescue of the Elephant King (Bhagavata Purana) • Shiva's Erect Manhood (Shiva Purana) Metaphors of the Mind Kunti's Magic Formula (Mahabharata) • The Sons of Yayati (Mahabharata) • Devavrata's Vow of Celibacy (Mahabharata) • Arjuna's Exile (Mahabharata) Conclusion Glossary Bibliography Index
£16.14
Birlinn General The Queen of the Birds
Book SynopsisAfter a terrible storm, the Kingdom of Birds is looking for a leader. Will it be the bird with the loveliest song, or the brightest plumage? The fastest in the air, or underwater? The bird who flies highest, or those who stick together and work as a team? All across the sky, birds are flocking together. Nightingales and robins, barn owls and blackbirds. The eagle, the flamingo, the birds of the moor. Curlews and cuckoos and herons and hoopoes. And Wee Jenny Wren. Let the contest begin!Trade Review'A beautiful new children’s book, The Queen of the Birds, which Polwart describes as a “retelling of an old folk tale that deals with the environmental catastrophe' * Sunday Post, Children's Highlights *'A beautifully illustrated picture book which retells an old folktale and introduces readers to a wide variety of birds' * StorySnug Blog *
£6.99
Canon Press In the House of Tom Bombadil
Book Synopsis
£16.10
Gill Ireland's Trees
Book SynopsisNiall Mac Coitir brings to life the myths, legends and folklore associated with native Irish trees, much of which persists to this day. Two main themes emerge: the tree as a marker of important places such as royal sites or holy wells, and the role of trees as sources of magical power in folk customs and traditions, such as carrying a blackthorn sta. when out walking at night to ward off evil spirits. Beautifully illustrated and imaginatively written, this mix of natural history, mythology and folklore will entertain and enlighten all interested in Ireland's trees.Trade Review'An easy and fascinating read' * Irish Examiner *
£11.99
Inner Traditions Bear and Company The Magic of the Orphic Hymns: A New Translation
Book SynopsisRecaptures the magical vitality of the original Orphic Hymns. As famous Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino wrote, “No magic is more powerful than that of the Orphic Hymns.” These legendary teletai of Orpheus were not simply “hymns”—they were initiatic poems for meditation and ritual, magical, and ceremonial use, each one addressed to a specific deity, such as Athena or Zeus, or a virtue, such as Love, Justice, and Equality. Yet despite the mystical concepts underlying them, the original hymns were formulaic, creating an obstacle for translators. Recapturing the magical vitality that inspired mystery cults through the ages, Tamra Lucid and Ronnie Pontiac present new versions of the teletai that include important esoteric details and correspondences about the being or deity to which each hymn is addressed. The authors also include a new version of a lost hymn to Number and messages that were inscribed on golden leaves meant to be passports for the dead, reinventions that preserve the original magical intent and mysticism of the teletai. The authors provide a complete historical survey, based on the latest research, of the obscure origins and evolution of the Orpheus myth, revealing a profound influence at the heart of Western esotericism as well as on countercultures throughout Western history. Revealing the power of the individual hymns to attune the reader to the sacred presence of the Orphic Mysteries and the higher order of nature, the authors also show how, taken together, the Orphic Hymns are a book of hours or a calendar of life, addressing every event, from birth to death, and walking us through all the experiences of human existence as necessary and holy.Trade Review“Tamra and Ronnie have outdone themselves! This book is the most comprehensively intelligent and pleasurably accessible portrait of Orphic mythology now available. Their modern translations of the Orphic hymns yield fresh fruit from an ancient vine. The culmination of their historical and practical research yields a book that testifies to the 21st century: this music is magic, and the magic is real. Anyone interested in the intersections of music, myth, and magic will delight in this work.” * Matt Marble, author of Buddhist Bubblegum *“This book is a marvel of pagan revivalism. Tamra Lucid and Ronnie Pontiac have created a symphonic and learned study of the Orphic mythos encompassing history and meaning; translation of key odes; and reconstructed practice. If you yearn for evidence that the old deities are with us today, look no further than The Magic of the Orphic Hymns.” * Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award–winning author of Occult America and Uncertain Places *“This fascinating, lively, and erudite exploration of Orphism is a superb entrance point to this treasure trove of lore and knowledge.” * Richard Smoley, editor of Quest: Journal of the Theosophical Society in America and author of A Theo *“Tamra Lucid and Ronnie Pontiac have produced a beautifully clear and elegant version of the ancient Orphic hymns, preceded by a meticulously researched mythic, historical, and magical overview of all things Orphic past and present. They are passionate and thorough, their tone contemporary and accessible, creating a wonderful example of what Jeff Kripal calls ‘the gnostic classroom,’ which is rigorously scholarly yet deeply sympathetic to the universal wisdom of the Orphic tradition. A great resource for students and practitioners alike.” * Angela Voss, editor of Marsilio Ficino (Western Esoteric Masters Series) *“A wonderful book for anyone interested in metaphysics and mythology. Not only a fascinating and easy-to-read history but also an exhaustive work of scholarship—and in the translations of the poems that make up the second half of the book, a mind-blowing work of creativity. A must for any visionary’s library.” * Tod Davies, author of the History of Arcadia visionary fiction series and editorial director of Exte *“The Orphic hymns are among the most beautiful and effective invocations that have been handed down to us from the ancient Greeks. But, while Taylor’s classic translations are both admirable and eloquent in practice—that is, used ritualistically—they can seem clumsy and, at times, even cumbersome. Pontiac and Lucid’s welcome interpretive renditions have changed all of that. Theirs have quickly become my go-to translations for using the hymns in practical theurgic rites.” * P. D. Newman author of Theurgy: Theory and Practice *“Ronnie Pontiac and Tamra Lucid, musicians and metaphysicians both, the inheritors of Manly P. Hall’s blessings. Who better to reveal the living magic of the Orphic hymns to a new generation? The Orphic hymns are not spells but poetic and magical evocations aligned with the understanding of pantheism, that all of nature is divinely infused and revealed through its kindred correspondences. Although the book chases the figure of Orpheus through history in a scholarly fashion, the author is not identified, the story is too complex and veiled. The magic is to be encountered in the song, not the singer, so take up the invitation and softly sing to the world outside your window.” * Naomi Ozaniec, author of Becoming a Garment of Isis *“This book delivers what its title indicates: the translations of the Orphic fragments and hymns are rendered in clear modern English, easy to understand for the contemporary reader. The review and analysis of scholarship on the contested ‘Orphic’ religion is wide ranging and comprehensive. All scholarship is taken into consideration from skeptical classicists to engaged occultists. The book presents a ‘feeling’ of the Orphic tradition and at the same time an analytic and critical overview of ‘Orphism’ from ancient to modern times. From the ancient poets to the modern painters of Orphism; from Plato and Plotinus to Ficino, Thomas Taylor, and E. R. Dodds; from Monteverdi to Philip Glass to modern pop culture—it is an accomplishment. I give my warmest endorsement.” * Jay Bregman, author of Synesius of Cyrene *“I have often said that history is not a linear line, but instead a complex web. The goal of the historian is to make that web feel linear to the non-specialist. Tamra Lucid and Ronnie Pontiac have done exactly that, producing a stellar work, including passages so gorgeously written, I found myself returning to previous pages for a reread. Impeccably researched and beautifully written, The Magic of the Orphic Hymns is a wild ride through history, ritual, and the mysteries of the human mind and soul. As Lucid and Pontiac took me through the many ages and evolutions of the Orphic Mysteries, I could almost hear the sweet strings of a lute accompanying the many discoveries I made while reading—such is the strength of this timely work. Highly recommended to those who like their history neat, engaging, and filled with a page-turning allure that can only be described as magic.” * Thomas Hatsis, author of The Witches’ Ointment and Psychedelic Mystery Traditions *Table of ContentsIntroduction: An Experiment with the Orphic Hymns 1 The Mythology of Orpheus2 Mysterious Orpheus3 The Severan Dynasty 4 The Pagan Orpheus 5 The Orphic Mysteries 6 The Golden Leaves 7 The Night Gathering 8 Orpheus in the Renaissance 9 The Occult Orpheus 10 More Popular Than Ever 11 The Backward Glance 12 The Evolution of Eurydice 13 The Mystical Purpose 14 A Note on Incense15 A Note on the Translation Orphic Charms and the Sacred Songs of Orpheus Orphic CharmsMessages on gold leaf buried with the dead, and a grand invocation.The Sacred Songs of OrpheusA poetic interpretation of the Orphic hymns with added details about the sacred correspondences of the gods. Annotated BibliographyIndex of Orphic Charms and the Sacred Songs of OrpheusIndex
£18.04
Octopus Publishing Group The Occult & Folklore Colouring Book
Book SynopsisDiscover over 30 intricate artworks to colour in, from the brilliant mind of artist Duchess of Lore. With subjects inspired by the occult, myth, legend and folklore, readers will find beautiful line drawings of Gaelic goddesses, astrological signs and tarot images, pagan symbols, ancient Greek gods, magical motifs and much more.Let your imagination roam, find a mindful escape and create your own beautiful, colourful artworks with The Occult & Folklore Colouring Book.
£13.49
Pegasus Books Looking for the Hidden Folk: How Iceland's Elves
Book Synopsis*A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITOR'S CHOICE* "An impassioned, informative love letter to Iceland." —New York Times Book Review "This compelling and highly readable book offers a thought-provoking examination of nature of belief itself" —Bookpage, starred review In exploring how Icelanders interact with nature—and their idea that elves live among us—Nancy Marie Brown shows us how altering our perceptions of the environment can be a crucial first step toward saving it.Icelanders believe in elves. Why does that make you laugh?, asks Nancy Marie Brown, in this wonderfully quirky exploration of our interaction with nature. Looking for answers in history, science, religion, and art—from ancient times to today—Brown finds that each discipline defines what is real and unreal, natural and supernatural, demonstrated and theoretical, alive and inert. Each has its own way of perceiving and valuing the world around us. And each discipline defines what an Icelander might call an elf. Illuminated by her own encounters with Iceland’s Otherworld—in ancient lava fields, on a holy mountain, beside a glacier or an erupting volcano, crossing the cold desert at the island’s heart on horseback—Looking for the Hidden Folk offers an intimate conversation about how we look at and find value in nature. It reveals how the words we use and the stories we tell shape the world we see. It argues that our beliefs about the Earth will preserve—or destroy it. Scientists name our time the Anthropocene: the Human Age. Climate change will lead to the mass extinction of numerous animal species unless we humans change our course. Iceland suggests a different way of thinking about the Earth, one that offers hope. Icelanders believe in elves— and you should, too.Trade Review"In Looking for the Hidden Folk, Brown overlays a glowing web of connections on Iceland’s folkloric — and literal — landscape of ice and fire, illuminating the answers to the many questions she poses. Her passionate defense of the huldufólk would gratify the most sensitive elf." * New York Times Book Review, editor's choice *“Ashtoningly in-depth” * WBUR, Here and Now *"A fascinating inquiry into the Icelandic belief in elves. This compelling and highly readable book offers a thought-provoking examination of nature of belief itself, drawing compelling conclusions among humans, storytelling, and the environment." * Bookpage (starred review) *"Brown, a cultural historian, has traveled to and written about Iceland for over three decades, and her resulting book is a quirky and fascinating exploration, even a “mischievous guide,” that helps animate the Icelandic landscape and inspire its protection." * Hakai Magazine *"Haunting and enticing. The author's descriptions of the countryside are staggering — not just the images she conjures but the reactions they inspire in her. Ultimately, Brown seems to want to use Looking for the Hidden Folk to shake readers out of their comfort zones, encouraging us to slough off the protective layers of skepticism we have about the world. If we're open to it, we might catch a glimpse of something magical." * Seven Days *"Nancy Marie Brown’s Looking for the Hidden Folk occupies a nice middle ground between the scholarly and popular. She takes elves seriously as a cultural belief, and knows how to tell a story about them and their role in the history and lives of Icelanders." * Iceland Review *"Wherever readers stand on the elf question, they'll come away with a new appreciation for Iceland and its mysteries." * Booklist *"For decades, cultural historian Nancy Marie Brown has been fascinated by Iceland, a nation of natural and supernatural wonders. Her book Looking for the Hidden Folk is a mischievous guide to reclaiming sacred connections to places as a way of sparking environmentalist commitments. Brown delights in the fact that, in Icelandic, the word for home is the same as that for world: heima. An impish literary handbook, Looking for the Hidden Folk takes Iceland as a model of how to treat the whole world as a precious, aweinspiring home." * Foreword Reviews *"Nancy Marie Brown reveals to us skeptics how rocks and hills are the mansions of elves, or at least what it takes to believe so. Looking For the Hidden Folks evocatively animates the Icelandic landscape through Brown's past and present travels and busts some prevalent clichés and myths along the way -- this book is my reply to the next foreign reporter asking about that Elf Lobby." -- Egill Bjarnason, author of How Iceland Changed the World: The Big History of a Small Island"Using ideas and stories about the hidden folk in Iceland as a stepping stone into the human perception of our homes in the world where stories and memories breathe life into places, be it through the vocabulary of quantum physics or folklore, Nancy Marie Brown makes us realise that there is always more to the world than meets the eye. And that world is not there for us to conquer and exploit but to walk into and sense the dew with our bare feet on the soft moss, beside breathing horses and mighty glaciers in the drifting fog that often blocks our view." -- Gisli Sigurosson, Research Professor, The Arni Magnusson Institute, University of Iceland
£12.34
Ivy Press Atlas of Paranormal Places
Book Synopsis
£17.60
University of Wales Press Folk Horror: New Global Pathways
Book SynopsisWhile the undisputed heyday of folk horror was Britain in the 1960s and 1970s, the genre has not only a rich cinematic and literary prehistory, but directors and novelists around the world have also been reinventing folk horror for the contemporary moment. This study sets out to rethink the assumptions that have guided critical writing on the genre in the face of such expansions, with chapters exploring a range of subjects from the fiction of E. F. Benson to Scooby-Doo, video games, and community engagement with the Lancashire witches. In looking beyond Britain, the essays collected here extend folk horror’s geographic terrain to map new conceptualisations of the genre now seen emerging from Italy, Ukraine, Thailand, Mexico and the Appalachian region of the US.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Dawn Keetley and Ruth Heholt Part One: Folk Horror’s Folklore Chapter One: The Frightening Folk: An Introduction to the Folkloresque in Horror Jeffrey A. Tolbert Chapter Two: Whose Folk? Community, Folklore, Landscape and the Case of the Lancashire Witches Catherine Spooner Chapter Three: Folkloric Origins of the Ukrainian Gothic Svitlana (Lana) Krys Chapter Four: ‘Wow, this place is spooky at night!’ Suburban Ennui, Legend Quests and What Folk Horror Shares with Scooby-Doo Ian Brodie Part Two: Re-Visioning Canonical Folk Horror Chapter Five: The Curse of the Cursive: The Horror of the Hand in Folk Horror Film Typography David Devanny Chapter Six: The Devil His Due: Folk Horror, Occulture and the Black Magic Story Timothy Jones Chapter Seven: Black Boxes: Tradition and Human Sacrifice in American Folk Horror Bernice M. Murphy Part Three: Folk Horror in New Places Chapter Eight: Sunny Landscapes, Dark Visions: E. F. Benson’s Weird Domestic Folk Horror Ruth Heholt Chapter Nine: Monsters in the Making: Phi Pop and Thai Folk Horror Katarzyna Ancuta Chaper Ten: Curses, Rites and Questionable Offerings: Ludic Folk Horror in Video Games Tanya Krzywinska Part Four: Folk Horror’s Politics Chapter Eleven: Catholicism, Unification and Liminal Landscape in Italian Folk Horror Cinema Marco Malvestio Chapter Twelve: ‘Me quitarán de quererte, Llorona, pero de olividarte nunca’: La Llorona, Colonial Trauma and Mexicanness Valeria Villegas Lindvall Chapter Thirteen: Sacrifice Zones in Appalachian Folk Horror Dawn Keetley
£47.50
MP-MPP University Press of Mississippi Outsider Art Visionary Worlds and Trauma
Book SynopsisProvides a comprehensive guide through the contested terrain of outsider art and the related domains of art brut, visionary art, “art of the insane”, and folk art. The book examines the history and primary issues of the field as well as explores the intersection between culture and individual creativity that is at the very heart of outsider art definitions and debates.Trade ReviewLavishly illustrated, many of the images never before seen by the public, this indispensable volume is steeped in details about the lives of outsider and visionary artists. Authoritative, informative, and accessible, this groundbreaking volume is a work of art itself as well as a monumental achievement in scholarship, one that forces us to rethink conventional notions of art and creativity."" - Michael Owen Jones, professor emeritus, Department of World Arts and Cultures, University of California, Los Angeles.""By exploring personal histories and traumatic experiences of creative people sometimes living at the fringe of society, Daniel Wojcik brings new insights into the phenomenon of outsider art. This comprehensive study will influence how outsider art is now seen and evaluated; it blurs the boundaries between insiders and outsiders and contributes to our understanding of art today. Engagingly written and wonderfully illustrated - in full color! - this is an essential resource that takes the reader on a mesmerizing and inspiring journey. Where are my paint brushes?"" - Peter Jan Margry, professor of European ethnology, University of Amsterdam.""Wojcik's new book seems destined to become an essential text for understanding the field today. Outsider Art: Visionary Worlds and Trauma now brings a great deal of clarity and understanding not only to one of the major hotbeds of activity in the international art market, but to the creative act itself. It is a must-read for anyone serious about better understanding this fascinating subject."" - Roger Manley, director of the Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University and curator of exhibitions of self-taught art at more than forty other institutions, including the American Visionary Art Museum.""Wojcik's informed writing - demonstrated by an almost encyclopedic knowledge of self-taught and outsider art and history - his original research, his balanced and nuanced thinking, the representative examples he discusses, and his ability to articulate his findings make this book required reading for anyone interested in outsider, self-taught, or contemporary folk art."" - Carol Crown, professor emerita, University of Memphis, and coeditor of Sacred and Profane: Voice and Vision in Southern Self-Taught Art
£35.96
Octopus Publishing Group Urban Legends: Strange Tales and Unsolved
Book SynopsisDID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE KIDS WHO FOUND A FERRARI BURIED IN THEIR GARDEN? WHAT ABOUT THE MAN WHO SUED SATAN? DO YOU KNOW THE LEGEND OF THE BUNNY MAN? Strange happenings, unsolved mysteries and seemingly supernatural events have gripped and shocked us for centuries, passed from person to person in whispers in classrooms, tales around the campfire and idle gossip among friends. Whether they’re based on a grain of truth or a complete flight of fancy, the myths, legends and weird tales contained within this book will take you on a fascinating journey to the outer limits of plausibility, and dare you to believe the unbelievable.
£8.54
Adams Media Corporation Nectar of the Gods: From Hera's Hurricane to the
Book SynopsisSip sweet libations worthy of the Gods with these Greek myth–inspired concoctions based on all your favorite Gods and Goddesses.Care for Hestia’s Old Fashioned? Want to fall in love with Eros on the Beach? How about the Bacchic Muddled Maenad sangria, topped with a blood orange; or maybe a Labooze of Heracles—made with plenty of strong whiskey? In Nectar of the Gods, you can sip Greek mythology-themed drinks while you enjoy your favorite ancient tales (or mythological retellings) with this collection of delicious and fun cocktails written by Liv Albert, host of the popular podcast Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!. Now you can discover new creations along with all your favorites and drink like the God or Goddess you know you are.Trade Review“Nectar of the Gods is cheeky, fun, and educational.” —Rachel Smythe, creator of Lore Olympus“In Nectar of the Gods, Liv Albert combines classics with cocktails to create a delightful book packed with delectable recipes for drinks worthy of the gods. Each cocktail is tailor-made for the most notable characters of Greek mythology with exquisite attention to detail—so you can learn as you drink (though some of them pack quite a punch, so it’s possible you might need to reread when sober!). Liv writes with wonderful wit and boundless knowledge, and the illustrations by Sara Richard are utterly dazzling. It’s an essential purchase for myth-loving cocktail drinkers everywhere, and a perfect companion to Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook.” —Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne“Would the ancient Greek gods have drunk cocktails if they had the chance? Liv Albert knows these wily deities very well, and the answer is a resounding yes. Teaming up with Thea Engst, who brings her creative flair for cocktail recipes, and Sara Richard, who draws divine illustrations, ensures this book is a heady experience on the page and by the kylix. A beautiful example of classical reception that combines exploring the stories of the goddesses and gods with a deep sense of fun.” —Dr. G and Dr. Rad, cohosts of The Partial Historians podcast“Praise Dionysus! Nectar of the Gods is a stunning treasure! Filled with wit, wisdom, humor, and Albert’s incredible storytelling, this is an unmissable treat for mythology fans. And the cocktail illustrations and recipes will make you want to both frame pages and bookmark them for your next party.” —Genn McMenemy, co-creator of the Ancient History Fangirl podcast“Who says a recipe book can’t also be a page-turner? This is both a hilarious sourcebook of Greek mythology and a very inventive cocktail recipe book all in one. The recipes are engaging for both beginner and experienced bartenders, and are sure to impress at any party—not to mention delicious. But the descriptions make this book truly stand out. Written with Albert’s signature humor and depth of expertise, Nectar of the Gods is highly entertaining—with captivating illustrations that make this book very hard to put down.” —Jenny Williamson, co-creator of the Ancient History Fangirl podcast“Nectar of the Gods shakes up traditional cocktail books with stunning visuals and delicious deities. For anyone who loves to drink up facts about mythology and mixology, this is a must-add to your library. You just have to decide if it lives in your bookshelves or on your bar cart.” —Emily Edwards, author and creator of the Fuckbois of Literature podcast“Liv has once again brought her signature mixture of wit and grace to another volume soaked in Greek myth, providing a much-needed tonic for a world in need of a good stiff drink. What impresses most is her ability to keep every recipe fresher than rosy-fingered dawn arising from her bed, with each page turn providing further delight to each of our earthly senses. The end result is a catalog that Homer himself would be proud of, and a drinks list to make even Dionysus blush. Come for the mythology and stay for the beautiful illustrations that raise your soul to Olympus and beyond. Tonight we drink in Hellas!” —Ben, of Classical Studies Memes for Hellenistic Teens“Indulgent is the perfect word to describe this gorgeously illustrated book with cocktails for all palates. The perfect accompaniment for a night in with a good mythology book (or podcast)!” —Leesa Charlotte, co-creator of the Sweetbitter podcast“This gorgeously illustrated, delightfully fun book of cocktails is the delicious nectar of the gods itself! Having made Hera’s Hurricane and Bright-Eyed Athena, I cannot wait to try all of the recipes in this beautiful book with my fellow Greek myth–loving friends!” —Nikita Gill, poet and author of Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters“Legendary cocktail recipes.” —Bar Business Magazine"Drink like Dionysus with this new cocktail book." —Mental Floss"Rich with wit and tasty concoctions." —The City Magazine"This book really has it all...delicious cocktails, entertaining stories about ancient Greece, clever instructions for creating the cocktails, and lovely illustrations. It’s a book that would be a wonderful addition to any home bar or a fabulous gift for any bartender." —Pamela Kramer"The most creative cocktail book." —City Lifestyle Phoenix
£11.69
Chronicle Books Russian Tales: Traditional Stories of Quests and
Book SynopsisRediscover the magic of Russian folktales in a breathtaking illustrated edition. This collection of traditional stories will sweep you away to the birch forests and ornate palaces of Russia. You'll meet a mysterious girl born from the snow, a terrifying Baba Yaga, and a series of dauntless heroines and heroes willing to fight dragons and cross fiery rivers. Blending whimsical magic with magnificent drama, these tales come to life alongside intricate contemporary art in this special illustrated edition. POPULAR SERIES: The Tales series gives new life to traditional stories. Celebrating the richness of folklore around the world, and featuring the work of beloved contemporary illustrators, these books are treasured by adults and teens alike. ICONIC STORIES: Russian stories hold a special place in the hearts of fairy tales fans. Unforgettable characters like Baba Yaga and the Fire-Bird have captured imaginations for generations. In this collection, readers are sure to find old favorites and discover something new. GORGEOUS SPECIAL EDITION: With a mesmerizing full-page illustration for each story, as well as creamy paper, a ribbon page marker, and a handsome hardcover design, this edition is perfect for gifting and display. Perfect for: • Fans of fairy tales and folklore • Readers with Russian heritage or interested in Russian culture • Illustration and art lovers • Adults and teens • Collectors of illustrated classics • Fans of the illustrator Dinara Mirtalipova
£16.14
Llewellyn Publications,U.S. New World Witchery
Book Synopsis
£24.70
The History Press Ltd Folklore of the Scottish Highlands
Book SynopsisThe folklore of the Scottish Highlands is unique and very much alive. In this substantially revised edition of a classic work first published 30 years ago, she portrays the beliefs and customs of Scottish Gaelic society, including: seasonal customs deriving from Celtic festivals;
£13.49
