Folklore studies / Study of myth Books
Random House Children's Books DAulaires Book of Greek Myths
Book Synopsis
£21.25
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.
£19.55
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
The History Press Ltd The Quiet Moon
Book SynopsisThe ancient Celts lived by and worshipped the moon. While modern, digital life is often at odds with nature rubbing against it rather than working in harmony with it is there something to be said for embracing this ancient way of being and reconnecting to the moon's natural calendar?January's Quiet Moon reflects an air of melancholy, illuminating a midwinter of quiet menace; it was the time of the Dark Days for the ancient Celts, when the natural world balanced on a knife edge. By May, the Bright Moon brings happiness as time slows, mayflies cloud and elderflowers cascade. Nature approaches her peak during a summer of short nights and bright days this was when the ancient Celts claimed their wives and celebrated Lugnasad. With the descent into winter comes the sadness of December's Cold Moon. Trees stand bare and creatures shiver their way to shelter as the Dark Days creep in once more and the cycle restarts.In The Quiet Moon, Kevin Parr discovers th
£11.69
Reaktion Books Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween
Book SynopsisTrick or Treat is the first book to both examine the origins and history of Halloween and explore in depth its current global popularity. Festivals like the Celtic Samhain and Catholic All Souls’ Day have blended to produce the modern Halloween, which has been reborn in America – but there are also related but independent holidays, especially Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Lisa Morton explores the explosion in popularity of haunted attractions and the impact of events such as the global economic recession, as well as the effect Halloween has had on popular culture through literary works, films and television series. Trick or Treat takes us on a journey from the spectacular to the macabre, making it a must for anyone who wants to peep behind the mask to see the real past and present of this ever more popular holiday.Trade ReviewWinner of the Bram Stoker Award for Non-fiction; Winner of the Halloween Book Festival’s Grand Prize; `If you want to know anything at all about the subject, you ought to find it in Trick or Treat . . . Morton’s interesting account of Hallowe’en is at its best when it comes up to date and there are many entertaining illustrations. – Susan Hill, The Times; `Well-written and illustrated, informative and entertaining.’ – Fortean Times; `Trick or Treat covers the history of Halloween from its ancient Celtic roots to its stunning growth in global popularity in the 21st century. Morton is an accomplished horror short story writer, and her ability to draw readers in quickly and keep them turning the pages shines through in her nonfiction as well. Lavishly illustrated, this solidly researched and concise work is fun to read and a great choice for readers who want to know why we seek out the scary each October.’ – Library Journal; `Morton offers the first comprehensive history of the `misunderstood festival’ of Halloween. She playfully sets the record straight on the origins of Halloween,explores its migration from the Old World to the New and back again, discusses the role of consumer culture in establishing supposedly ancient traditions, and concludes with an observation that Halloween’s ever-changing nature has allowed it to be adapted for countless purposes around the globe . . . This book is an excellent example of the scholarship on holidays as a means of accessing many facets of history. Highly recommended.’ – ChoiceTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Halloween: The Misunderstood Festival 2. Snap-apple Night and November Eve: Halloween in the British Isles 3. Trick or Treat in the New World 4. La Toussaint, Allerheiligen and Tutti i Santi: The Global Celebration 5. Dias de los Muertos 6. From Burns to Burton: Halloween and Popular Culture References Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index
£11.39
Profile Books Ltd Myths to Live by
Book SynopsisJoseph Campbell was the world's greatest authority on myth, his monumental four-volume The Masks of God is a definitive work on the subject, and in Myths to Live By he explores how these enduring myths still influence our daily lives and can provide personal meaning in our lives.Myths are a way of explaining the cosmos, the origin of life and Man's relationship with their environment; they play a cohesive role in society. Joseph Campbell analyses myth in psychoanalytic terms to reveal their essential qualities and to demonstrate how they continue to reflect human needs, providing reassurance even in today's world.Ranging from Zen koans and Indian aesthetics to walking on the moon, Joseph Campbell explores how myth and religion follow the same archetypes, which are not exclusive to any single race, religion or region. Campbell believed that all religion is a search for the same transcendent and fundamental spiritual truths. He shows how we must recognise the common denominators between differing myths and faiths and allow this knowledge to fulfil human potential everywhere.Trade ReviewAn impressive familiarity with myths from many parts of the world... pointing to unexpected links across cultures. -- Love & Language * . *Campbell has become the rarest of intellectuals... a serious thinker who has been embraced by popular culture. -- Newsweek * . *No other academic has had such a far-reaching effect on mass culture. -- The Independent * . *
£14.24
Talking Stone Viking Myths Sagas Retold from Ancient Norse
Book Synopsis
£11.69
New World Lib On Love
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£11.66
Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed The Art of Yoshi Yoshitani 100 Postcards
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£17.99
Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc Freaky Folklore
Book SynopsisDiscover the history and culture of over 50 of the most fearsome mythical creatures to capture the human imagination in this startlingly illustrated compendium. Accompanied by illustrations of each beast, Freaky Folklore is your guide to the world’s most terrifying beings, from ancient times to today. Hosts from Eeriecast, the leading horror podcast network, present the most frightening—and entertaining—tales of these mysterious creatures, revealing everything you need to know. This beautifully creepy collection is filled with wicked monsters, including: Chupacabra: A legendary monster that is said to drain the blood of livestock throughout Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Southwest. Jersey Devil: Said to have been created due to a mother's curse upon her newborn in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey, USA. Kelpie: A shape-shifting water horse told of in Celtic fol
£13.49
Quadrille Publishing Ltd The Mystical Year: Folklore, Magic and Nature
Book SynopsisCelebrate spring and summer as a time of renewal with Flora the Roman Goddess of flowers and learn about balance in Litha.As the nights get longer, create beautiful garlands of herbs to ward off evil spirits. Explore the magic of each month, with mystical tips and practical projects, and delve into the annual cycle of a modern mystical year.With supersitions and sayings, crystals, birds and beasts, this is a book for the modern mystic that is accessible for everyone. Based on spirituality in nature, The Mystical Year reveals how to wind down, and celebrate the seasons with folklore, festivals and simple, creative projects for each month of the year.
£11.69
Chronicle Books Tales of Japan
Book SynopsisTraditional Japanese folktales come to life alongside contemporary illustration in this luxurious edition.
£16.14
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Anansi and the Golden Pot
Book SynopsisAllow me to introduce myself.But he needed no introduction. Anansi the spider! said Anansi the boy. The tales were true!Traditional tales are always true, the spider answered, laughing. Nothing lasts so long as truth, nor travels quite so far.Now in paperback! Award-winning author of Ghana Must Go, Taiye Selasi, reimagines the story of Anansi, the much-loved trickster, for a new generation. Kweku has grown up hearing stories about the mischievous spider Anansi. He is given the nickname Anansi by his father because of his similarly cheeky ways. On a holiday to visit his beloved Grandma in Ghana, Anansi the spider and Anansi the boy meet, and discover a magical pot that can be filled with whatever they want. Anansi fills it again and again with his favourite red-red stew, and eats so much that he feels sick. Will he learn to share this wonderful gift?This charming retelling of a West African story teaches readers about the dangers of greed, and the impor
£6.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC There Is No Big Bad Wolf In This Story
Book SynopsisNow available in 23 languages! The Big Bad Wolf is late AGAIN and is ruining stories as he rushes through the forest to Grandma's house. When the Three Little Pigs get seriously grumpy AGAIN, Wolf tells them he's had ENOUGH. There will be no more HUFFING and PUFFING from this Big Bad Wolf. The fairytale characters aren't worried – they can totally manage without him! But Big Bad Wolfing is harder than it looks … And what happens when they realise that they really need a Big Bad Wolf in this story? From the pairing behind the fabulously funny and internationally bestselling There Is No Dragon In This Story comes another hilarious story featuring your favourite fairytale characters as you've never seen them before!Trade ReviewA clever, hilarious take on traditional fairy tales * LoveMyRead *
£6.64
Taschen GmbH Greek Myths
Book SynopsisThe Greek myths are timeless classics, whose scenes and figures have captivated us since ancient times. The gods and heroes of these legends hold up a mirror to the human condition, embodying universal characteristics and truths – whether it be the courage of Perseus, the greed of Midas, the vaulting ambition of Icarus, the vengeance of Medea, or the hubris of Niobe. These traits are the basis for immortal dramas and rich narratives, as profound as they are entertaining, which form the bedrock of our culture and literature today and remain relevant and fascinating for all readers, young and old alike. This edition contains 47 tales based on the most famous episodes in Greek mythology, from Prometheus, the Argonauts, and Theseus to the Trojan War and Homer’s Odyssey. The individual texts are selected from the seminal work Sagen des klassischen Altertums (Gods and Heroes: Myths and Epics of Ancient Greece) by Gustav Schwab (1792–1850), and strikingly illustrated by 29 artists, among them outstanding representatives of the Golden Age of Book Illustration and the Arts and Crafts Movement, including Walter Crane (1845–1915), Arthur Rackham (1867–1939), William Russell Flint (1880–1969), and Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900–1930). These illustrations are complemented by scene-setting vignettes for each story and a genealogical tree of Greek gods and goddesses by Clifford Harper, commissioned especially for this volume. Placing the tales in context, the book contains a historical introduction by Dr. Michael Siebler and is rounded off with biographies of all featured artists as well as an extensive glossary of ancient Greece’s most famous protagonists. The heroism, tragedy, and theater of Greek mythology glimmer through each tale in this lavishly illustrated edition, awakening the gods and heroes to new life.Trade Review“Beautifully illustrated, Schwab’s rich narrative is met by vivid and dramatic illustrations. There is no need to consult the oracle: you will enjoy this book.” * Force One *“Where would the Marvel films be without Gustav Schwab? A bow to the heroes of classical antiquity who, particularly in these times, find themselves in demand once again.” * Süddeutsche Zeitung *“TASCHEN’s Greek Myths reimagines the fascinating world of Greek mythology for modern times. Through these legendary tales of gods and all-too-human heroes, Schwab’s updated stories reveal all the feats, furies and foibles of the human condition.” * CNBC *“Even the lover of myth is in a sense a lover of wisdom, for the myth is composed of wonders.” * Aristotle *
£27.00
Quarto Publishing PLC Warriors, Witches, Women: Mythology's Fiercest
Book SynopsisMeet mythology’s fifty fiercest females in this modern retelling of the world’s greatest legends. From feminist fairies to bloodsucking temptresses, half-human harpies and protective Vodou goddesses, these are women who go beyond long-haired, smiling stereotypes. Their stories are so powerful, so entrancing, that they have survived for millennia. Lovingly retold and updated, Kate Hodges places each heroine, rebel and provocateur fimly at the centre of their own narrative. Players include: Bewitching, banished Circe, an introvert famed and feared for her transfigurative powers. The righteous Furies, defiantly unrepentant about their dedication to justice. Fun-loving Ame-no-Uzume who makes quarrelling friends laugh and terrifies monsters by flashing at them. The fateful Morai sisters who spin a complex web of birth, life and death. Find your tribe, fire your imagination and be empowered by this essential anthology of notorious, demonised and overlooked women.Trade ReviewHodges looks at mythology through a feminist lens, showcasing 50 of the fiercest females in this modern retelling of the world’s greatest legends...Lee-Merrion’s illustrations bring these strong personalities to life. * Publishers Weekly *With subjects ranging from Kali and Baba Yaga to La Llorona and Maman Brigitte, this is an appealing overview of mythical women who have become mainstream icons. * Booklist | ALA *From the famous Greek bringer of misfortune Medusa, to the Jewish demon Lilith and the Japanese supernatural beast Futakuchi-Onna, this collection of tales explores both the myths that saturate Western fame and the legends you’ve yet to hear about — but trust me, after you get to know them, these magical ladies are impossible to forget. * BookTrib *Table of ContentsFOREWORD INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 WITCHES Wise women, soothsayers and healers HECATE Greek: goddess MORGAN LE FAY. British: enchantress and fairy CIRCE Greek: goddess/witch BABA YAGA Slavic: witch CASSANDRA. Greek: prophet THE PYTHIA. Greek: priestess/witch BERCHTA. Southern German/Austrian: goddess WHITE BUFFALO CALF WOMAN Indigenous American/Lakotan: spirit RHIANNON Celtic: goddess/fairy CHAPTER 2 WARRIORS Fighters, strategists and bringers of justice ARTEMIS Greek: goddess ANATH Northwest Semitic: goddess DIVOKA SARKA Bohemian: warrior FREYJA Norse: goddess THE FURIES Roman/Greek: goddesses CIHUATETEO Meso-American: spirits KALT Hindu: goddess YENNENGA Mossi, African: princess JEZEBEL Hebrew/Christian: queen CHAPTER 3 BRINGERS OF MISFORTUNE Destructors, havoc-wreakers, harbingers of doom HEL Norse: goddess MORR.GAN Celtic: goddess THE VALKYRIES Norse: spirits PONTIANAK Malay: ghost BAOBHAN SITH Scottish: vampire LILITH Jewish: demon LOVIATAR Finnish: goddess HARPIES Greek: monsters MEDUSA Greek/Roman: monster LA LLORONA Mexican: spirit BANSHEE Celtic: spirit, fairy FUTAKUCHI-ONNA Japanese: supernatural beast CHAPTER 4 ELEMENTAL SPIRITS Lightning bolt-throwers, commanders of fire and ice, creators of the planet TIAMAT Babylonian: goddess MAMI WATA African/American: goddess PELE Hawaiian: goddess SELKIES Scottish: creatures MARI Basque: goddess THE LADY OF LLYN Y FAN FACH Welsh: fairy THE RAINBOW SERPENT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Australia: gender-fluid goddess/god MAZU Mazuism/Buddhism/Taoism/Confucianism: goddess EGLĖ THE QUEEN OF SERPENTS Lithuanian: woman CHAPTER 5 MUNIFICENT SPIRITS Bountiful deities, generous spirits, domestic goddesses TARA Buddhism/Hinduism: goddess MADDERAKKA Sámi: spirits THE MOIRAI Greek: incarnations of destiny BRIGID Celtic: goddess and saint ERZULIE DANTOR AND ERZULIE FREDA Vodou: goddesses BONA DEA Roman: goddess AME-NO-UZUME Japanese: goddess INANNA Mesopotamian: goddess MA’AT Egyptian: goddess LIEU HANH Vietnamese: goddess MAMAN BRIGITTE Voudou: goddess GLOSSARY FURTHER READING MYTHOLOGICAL WOMEN PLAYLIST ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
£17.09
Little, Brown Book Group The Mammoth Book of Celtic Myths and Legends
Book SynopsisDeveloped from an early oral storytelling tradition dating back to the dawn of European culture, this is one of the oldest and most vibrant of Europe's mythologies. From all six Celtic cultures - Irish, Scots, Welsh, Cornish, Manx andBreton - Peter Berresford Ellishas included popular myths and legends, as well as bringing to light exciting new taleswhich have been lying in manuscript form, untranslated and unknown to the modern general reader.The author brings not only his extensive knowledge of source material but also his acclaimed skills of storytelling to produce an original, enthralling and definitive collection of Celtic myths and legends - tales of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, magical weapons, fabulous beasts, and entities from the ancient Celtic world.Trade ReviewGood bedtime stories for all the family. -- Hilary Boyd * The Daily Express *Employs his skills as a storyteller, to ensure these tales remain fresh for another generation. -- Grania McFadden * Belfast Telegraph *This book brings to life the oldest legends of these isles, in a style that will entertain young and old. -- Robert Colbeck * Yorkshire Evening Post *This is an excellent introduction to the legends of all the Celtic traditions, treading a fine line between the accessible and the scholarly. -- Linda McKee * Irish News *
£10.39
Penguin Books Ltd Myths and Legends of the Celts
Book SynopsisMyths and Legends of the Celts is a fascinating and wide-ranging introduction to the mythology of the peoples who inhabited the northwestern fringes of Europe - from Britain and the Isle of Man to Gaul and Brittany.Drawing on recent historical and archaeological research, as well as literary and oral sources, the guide looks at the gods and goddesses of Celtic myth; at the nature of Celtic religion, with its rituals of sun and moon worship; and at the druids who served society as judges, diviners and philosophers. It also examines the many Celtic deities who were linked with animals and such natural phenomena as rivers and caves, or who later became associated with local Christian saints. And it explores in detail the rich variety of Celtic myths: from early legends of King Arthur to the stories of the Welsh Mabinogi, and from tales of heroes including Cúchulainn, Fionn mac Cumhaill and the warrior queen Medb to tales of shadowy otherworlds - the homes of spirits and fairies. What emerges is a wonderfully diverse and fertile tradition of myth making that has captured the imagination of countless generations, introduced and explained here with compelling insight.
£10.44
Mango Media Introduction to Aztec Mythology
£15.45
Usborne Publishing Adventures of King Arthur Graphic Novel
Book SynopsisRussell Punter was born in Bedfordshire, England. From an early age he enjoyed writing and illustrating his own stories. He trained as a graphic designer at art college in West Sussex before entering the world of publishing. He has written over one hundred books for children of all ages, ranging from original stories to adaptations of classic novels.
£9.49
Wooden Books Little History of Dragons
Book SynopsisWhy are dragons recognised in almost all cultures on Earth? What is the mysterious geomantic gold they secretly guard? Could dragons be a folk memory of something which once hunted us? In this beautiful little book Joyce Hargreaves tells the story of these extraordinary animals through examples drawn from all over the world. Richly illustrated, and with detailed appendices of notable dragon sites around the United Kingdom, this is an essential dragonologists guide. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.
£7.49
Flame Tree Publishing Arabian Folk Fairy Tales
Book Synopsis A Collector''s Edition, with deluxe binding and cover. A new introduction reveals our fascination in the history behind gods, heroes and legendary creatures. Introduces the characters, landscape and the culture. The series highlights the historical origins of modern fiction in myth and fable.
£10.44
Flame Tree Publishing Greek Myths & Tales: Epic Tales
Book SynopsisA potent pantheon of gods, heroes engaged in epic battles, fearsome mythical creatures and supernatural transformations – such fantastical elements infuse Greek myths with a wonder and excitement that’s hard to beat. These tales of love, courage, conflict and intrigue, shared for thousands of years, still exercise a powerful influence on our modern lives. This comprehensive collection of mythic stories brings to life the origins of the Greek gods and their dominion over the world of humankind. Here you’ll find Zeus and hades, Artemis and Aphrodite, with stories of demi-gods and humans alike. Jason and the Argonauts, Perseus the Gordon-Slayer and the heart-breaking tales of Troy sit alongside myths of crime and punishment, love and courage and the adventures of Heracles. Part of Flame Tree's epic collection of myths and legends, classic tales and modern short stories.
£17.00
Union Square & Co. A Treasury of Irish Fairy and Folk Tales Barnes
Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for anyone interested in Irish folklore. These lrish tales are reprinted from nineteenth-century sources, but they date back to a centuries-old oral tradition of storytelling that had yet to be committed to the printed page. They were passed down through the ages virtually unaltered and feature a wide variety of fantastic beings.
£31.50
Penguin Books Ltd The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony
Book Synopsis''It will be read and re-read not as a treatise but as a story: one of the most extraordinary that has ever been written of the origins of Western self-consciousness'' Simon SchamaThe marriage of Cadmus and Harmony was the last time the gods of Olympus feasted alongside mortals. What happened in the distant ages preceding it, and in the generations that followed, form the timeless tales of ancient Greek mythology. In this masterful retelling of the myths we think we know, Roberto Calasso illuminates the deepest questions of our existence.''The kind of book one comes across only once or twice in one''s lifetime'' Joseph Brodsky''A perfect work like no other'' Gore VidalTrade ReviewSensuous, dazzlingly intelligent -- Lucy Hughes-Hallett * Sunday Times *The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony is a perfect work like no other -- Gore VidalA brilliant and profound narration -- A.S. ByattA masterpiece ... a wonderfully fashioned work of art -- John BanvilleCalasso has no equal in the sparkle of his storytelling and the depth of his learning -- Boyd Tonkin * Independent *Enlivening, enthralling, essential: a classic -- Peter Conrad * Observer *
£10.44
British Library Publishing The Little Book of Trolls
Book Synopsis
£12.34
Hodder & Stoughton Daughters of Sparta: A tale of secrets, betrayal
Book SynopsisTwo sisters parted. Two women blamed. Two stories reclaimed.'Required reading for fans of Circe . . . a remarkable, thrilling debut' - Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth AvenueFor millennia, two women have been blamed for the fall of a mighty civilisation - but now it's time to hear their side of the story . . .As princesses of Sparta, Helen and Klytemnestra have known nothing but luxury and plenty. With their high birth and unrivalled beauty, they are the envy of all of Greece.Such privilege comes at a high price, though, and their destinies are not theirs to command. While still only girls they are separated and married off to legendary foreign kings Agamemnon and Menelaos, never to meet again. Their duty is now to give birth to the heirs society demands and be the meek, submissive queens their men expect.But when the weight of their husbands' neglect, cruelty and ambition becomes too heavy to bear, they must push against the constraints of their sex to carve new lives for themselves - and in doing so make waves that will ripple throughout the next three thousand years.Perfect for readers of Circe and Ariadne, Daughters of Sparta is a vivid and illuminating retelling of the Siege of Troy that tells the story of mythology's most vilified women from their own mouths at long last.Helen of Troy and her sister Klytemnestra are reimagined in this gorgeous retelling of the classic Greek myth - not as women defined by their husbands and lovers but as battle-weary survivors of a patriarchal society who take control of their own destiny. Absolutely riveting!' - Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna ArtistTrade ReviewThe story of the Trojan War has been told for close to three millennia and writers are still finding ways to refashion it . . . Seen through the eyes of Klytemnestra and her sister Helen, the war proves very different from the Homeric conflict with which we are familiar . . . [Heywood] tells her story vividly, setting it convincingly in the period. * Sunday Times *Fluent and persuasive. I admire the ambition with which Heywood tackles the subject, to which she brings freshness and verve. I enjoyed it very much -- Elizabeth BuchanDaughters of Sparta has such a compelling narrative; it is utterly absorbing from beginning to end. I found it both captivating and poignant; an enthralling and powerful tale of family politics, gender constraints, love, betrayal and revenge, with a masterful handling of feelings and emotions that truly resonates down the ages. -- Laura CarlinHelen of Troy and her sister Klytemnestra are reimagined in this gorgeous retelling of the classic Greek myth - not as women defined by their husbands and lovers but as battle-weary survivors of a patriarchal society who take control of their own destiny. Absolutely riveting! * Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist *'Heywood's wondrous retelling of the lives of two ancient princesses struggling for independence and agency in a patriarchal society resonates deeply in today's imperfect world. Required reading for fans of Circe, and a remarkable, thrilling debut.' * Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue *Brilliantly compelling . . . the perfect balance between historical authenticity and characters who I really connected with -- Sarah BonnerAn immersive, intimate take on a well-known tale. By focussing on the diverging fates of two sisters, Heywood reveals the private lives of these women to be just as compelling as the epic events unfolding around them. -- Amanda BlockIf you love epic books about Greek mythology and the often misunderstood or misinterpreted women within these tales, Daughters of Sparta should be right at the top of your reading list. It's a vividly written and compelling retelling that brings the Spartan princesses to life with all the human fortitude and foibles you'd expect from flesh and blood people. I'm already impatiently awaiting the reveal of the next set of female perspectives from the ancient world that Claire Heywood will be writing about in her second novel. * CultureFly *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd The History of the Kings of Britain Penguin
Book SynopsisCompleted in 1136, this classic chronicle traces the story of the realm from its supposed foundation by Brutus to the coming of the Saxons some two thousand years later. Vividly portraying legendary and semi-legendary figures such as Lear, Cymbeline, Merlin the magician, and the most famous of all British heroes, King Arthur, it is as much myth as it is history, and its veracity was questioned by other medieval writers. But Geoffrey of Monmouth’s powerful evocation of illustrious men and deeds captured the imagination of subsequent generations, and his influence can be traced through the works of Malory, Shakespeare, Dryden, and Tennyson. Lewis Thorpe’s translation from the Latin brings us an accurate and enthralling version of Geoffrey’s remarkable narrative. His introduction discusses in depth the aims of the author and his possible sources, and describes the impact of this work on British literature.Table of ContentsTranslated with an Introduction by Lewis ThorpeIntroduction1. Geoffrey's Purpose2. Who was Geoffrey of Monmouth?3. Geoffrey's Sources4. The Work Itself5. Geoffrey the Artist6. Geoffrey of Monmouth down the Centuries7. Editions of the Historia8. Earlier Translations9. This Translation10. AcknowledgmentsNotes to the IntroductionShort Bibliography of Works Used in the Introduction and in the NotesMap of BritainDedicationPart One: Brutus Occupies the Island of AlbionPart Two: Before the Romans CamePart Three: The Coming of the RomansPart Four: The House of ConstantinePart Five: The Prophecies of MerlinPart Six: The House of Constantine (Continued)Part Seven: Arthur of BritainPart Eight: The Saxon DominationTime ChartIndex
£11.69
Hodder & Stoughton The Charmed Wife: 'Does for fairy tales what
Book SynopsisOne of Oprah Magazine's Most Anticipated Books of 2021! 'Genre-bending and darkly comic, Grushin's fourth novel is a weird and wonderful triumph.'And they lived happily ever after . . . didn't they?Cinderella married the man of her dreams - the perfect ending she deserved after diligently following all the fairy-tale rules. Yet now, two children and thirteen-and-a-half years later, things have gone badly wrong. One night, she sneaks out of the palace to get help from the Witch who, for a price, offers love potions to disgruntled housewives. But as the old hag flings the last ingredients into the cauldron, Cinderella doesn't ask for a love spell to win back her Prince Charming. Instead, she wants him dead. Endlessly surprising and wildly inventive, The Charmed Wife is a sophisticated literary fairy tale for the twenty-first century that weaves together time and place, fantasy and reality, to conjure a world unlike any other. Nothing in it is quite what it seems, and the twists and turns of its magical, dark, swiftly shifting paths take us deep into the heart of romance, marriage and the very nature of storytelling.'Dark and dreamy. Inside the plot, magic comes and goes. But inside the reader, it's all magic - all of us happily caught in Grushin's hypnotic spell.' - Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves and The Jane Austen Book Club'Fall under its charms, I dare you' - Gregory Maguire, author of WickedTrade ReviewDoes for fairy tales what Bridgerton has done for Regency England * Mail on Sunday *Pure escapism * Sun *The comedy is devastating in this autopsy of a marriage that dies of "happily ever after" syndrome. Seldom has such emotional realism been spied in the precincts of wild magic. This alumna of the Cinderella marriage is overwhelmed, over-enchanted, and so over it. Fall under its charms, I dare you. * Gregory Maguire, author of WICKED *Different and compelling * Daily Mail *Dark and dreamy. Inside the plot, magic comes and goes. But inside the reader, it's all magic - all of us happily caught in Grushin's hypnotic spell. * Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves *Surprising, darkly comedic and enchanting * CNN *THE CHARMED WIFE is a thought-provoking, wickedly clever, and beautifully written fairy tale character study that enchants at every turn. Olga Grushin dissects fairy tales, marriage, and the messy human heart with a pen as sharp as any scalpel. * Melissa Bashardoust *Lush and powerful, The Charmed Wife is brimful of magic and the seething darkness that lies beneath the glittering surface of every good fairy tale. * Leife Shallcross, author of The Beast's Heart *In The Charmed Wife, Olga Grushin turns the fairy tale romance on its head, and then just keeps turning it, playfully, subversively, brilliantly: a feat of fierce imagination. * Jess Walter, author of Beautiful Ruins *A powerful, provocative and quite wonderful modern literary fairy tale, but if you enter expecting 'happily ever after' you'll be sorely disappointed. Rather than sugar and spice and all things nice, you'll instead find a novel brimming with exquisitely sharp and pointed attitude. Thirteen and a half years after Cinderella married the man of her dreams and she's had enough, she wants out. The prologue pierces love, and binds hate, firmly setting the tone, yet wicked humour and gentle observations also tickle the page. The echoes of well known fairy tales make themselves felt, adding to the enchantment. There is much to take delight in, yet beware, all magic is paid for and you'll need to be on the look out for hidden snares. I adore the tale that runs alongside the main story, of the two mice that accompanied Cinderella and live in a world circling through an entire civilisation. How easy it is to view what you want to see, rather than what is actually there. As the fairy tale splinters and a shimmer of reality breaks through, I found my thoughts tossed high in the air, and where they will land, I still don't know. So bright, so clever, and thought-provoking this just had to sit as a Liz Pick of the Month. I danced through the deep dark magic of The Charmed Wife, long live the fairy tale that lives beyond 'happily ever after'. * Lovereading.co.uk *
£8.54
Vintage Publishing Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths
Book Synopsis'Charlotte Higgins's Red Thread is a masterwork' Ali SmithA thrillingly original, labyrinthine journey through myth, art, literature, history, archaeology and memoir. The tale of how the hero Theseus killed the Minotaur, finding his way out of the labyrinth using Ariadne's ball of red thread, is one of the most intriguing, suggestive and persistent of all myths, and the labyrinth - the beautiful, confounding and terrifying building created for the half-man, half-bull monster - is one of the foundational symbols of human ingenuity and artistry. Charlotte Higgins, author of the Baillie Gifford-shortlisted Under Another Sky, tracks the origins of the story of the labyrinth in the poems of Homer, Catullus, Virgil and Ovid, and with them builds an ingenious edifice of her own. Along the way, she traces the labyrinthine ideas of writers from Dante and Borges to George Eliot and Conan Doyle, and of artists from Titian and Velázquez to Picasso and Eva Hesse. Her intricately constructed narrative asks what it is to be lost, what it is to find one's way, and what it is to travel the confusing and circuitous path of a lived life. Red Thread is, above all, a winding and unpredictable route through the byways of the author's imagination - one that leads the reader on a strange and intriguing journey, full of unexpected connections and surprising pleasures.Trade ReviewCharlotte Higgins's Red Thread is a masterwork, an open-eyed analysis of the everyday mazery we face without even realising it, and an understanding of psychic and narrative architecture that's a pretty crucial piece of equipment for wherever and whenever we find ourselves lost. I read it on the balcony of a hotel in Rome... and it was as if the city itself opened playfully and thoughtfully around the reading experience in its amalgam of pasts and presents, histories and mysteries.Any bookshelf would be graced by the presence of [Red Thread]… [it] ask[s] readers to surrender to the unpredictable pleasures of getting lost… playful and gorgeously written. -- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst * Guardian *A serious, substantial, scholarly and yet also highly personal book about mazes… Red Thread is a book to admire as much as to enjoy. -- Ian Sansom * Spectator *[Charlotte Higgins] is no ordinary author. Her thrillingly original book – it really is like no other – is itself a sort of maze of facts and thoughts, ancient tales and modern phenomena… on every page there is a sparkling idea or a fascinating piece of information. It is also beautifully written… a beautifully produced volume, full of colour illustrations of sculptures and paintings and tantalising maps of mazes. -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *In this beautifully produced and richly illustrated book… Charlotte Higgins takes us on a fascinating meander through the art and literature of the last 2,500 years… After reading this book you will see labyrinths everywhere. -- Michael O’Loughlin * Irish Times *
£10.44
Batsford Ltd Anglo-Saxon Myths: The Struggle for the Seven
Book SynopsisEnchanting tales of the gods, kings, and monsters that populated the Anglo-Saxon world. An atmospheric collection of 30 folk tales exploring stories of cosmology, monsters, conflicts and courtship from the Seven Kingdoms to Middle Earth. This is an entertaining portal into a world overflowing with mythology, magic and all manner of beguiling creatures, which has inspired everything from the Lord of the Rings to Game of Thrones. The book is divided into 3 parts: • Scop is a set of stories told by the Anglo-Saxon storyteller Scop, from the creation to the destruction of the world. It explores what remains of the gods and monsters of the Anglo-Saxon cosmology. • Wreccan is pagan stories exploring self-discovery and development through exile. Variations of these tales would have told by the Anglo-Saxons themselves, including Sigemund's rebellion and the trials of Beowulf. • Bretwalda stories revolve around Bretwalda the chief Anglo-Saxon king who ruled over the majority of the Seven Kingdoms. These stories reflect a period when both the old gods and Christianity existed simultaneously. Remarkable illustrations by Jesús Sotés breathe new life into these tales of the past.Trade Review‘It is easy, reading Stratford’s vibrant retellings, to understand where Tolkien drew his inspiration from and this fine book should find a similar, enthusiastic readership’ Observer Alexander Larman ‘Grab yourself a cuppa, open the covers and enjoy the atmospheric tales told within’ The CountrymanTable of ContentsScop – the Age of Gods Moon over Middle Earth Tue and the Binding of Helle Woden and the Wyrm Thunner, Dinne and Heofenfyr Frig and the Elven King The Burning Time of Waellende Wulf The Vessel of Death Wreccan – the Age of Heroes Of Sheaf & Shield, of Geat & Mathilde Sigemund Victory-hand Heremod, Hoarder of Rings Wada’s Dream Wade Waefre Wade in the Water Weyland Smith The Dance to the Music of Mimming Finn’s Last Stand The Stallion and the Horse The Harm of Grendel What has Ingeld to do The Death of Beowulf Bretwalda – the Age of England The Beginning of Wonders The Avenging of Arilda The Altars of Raedwald Penda’s Hoard The Rumwold Prophesy The Hind of Domne Aefe Snake-stone and Cattle-song The Urith Sacrifice Cuthbert’s Demons The Evengloom of the Gods Osgyth and the Stag The Vision of Dryhtehlm Guthlac turns Wodwo
£15.29
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Tales of Beedle the Bard Illustrated Edition
Book SynopsisAn essential companion to the Harry Potter books and a magical gift for all Harry Potter fans, The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of fairy tales from the Wizarding World, with wise and witty notes from Professor Albus Dumbledore (via the enchanted pen of J.K. Rowling). Multi-talented Muggle illustrator Chris Riddell makes this book a complete visual treat, the pages bursting with glorious colour, beautiful line and stunning composition with some familiar faces from the Harry Potter novels themselves popping up in the deliciously original and subversive Dumbledore's notes. Packed with colour illustrations and a spectacular gatefold spread, this follows the globally bestselling illustrated editions of the Harry Potter novels (Jim Kay) and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Olivia Lomenech Gill) as an absolute must for fans of all ages. Mischievous and witty, the five rollicking tales are a deeply satisfying read in the tradition of all great fables and fai
£21.25
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
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
£12.34
Anness Publishing Indian Folk Tales: Eighteen Stories of Magic,
Book SynopsisA twelfth-century Sanskrit parallel to Hans Christian Andersen's `The Princess and the Pea' is just one of the surprises in this unusual collection of fairy tales from the Indian subcontinent. There are animal fables that recall both Aesop and Uncle Remus, and long wonder tales with all the strange enchantments of the Arabian Nights. Wily peasants, scheming rajahs, and saintly brahmans mingle in stories full of spice and wit. Luck and fate are the chief concerns, but magic and bravery play their part as well. These eighteen stories have been selected with an introduction and notes by folklorist Neil Philip, and retold for today's children by Caroline Ness. The result is a vibrant anthology of magical tales that will delight all the family, ideal to read aloud or for older readers to enjoy discovering by themselves. In this enchanting anthology of fairy tales from across the Indian subcontinent, you will enter into a world where an elephant rides to heaven and back; an exiled prince wins his inheritance; a resourceful princess pits her wits against a witch; and of a male Cinderella - but with a twist to the tail! Jacqueline Mair's richly detailed illustrations draw on her experience travelling and studying in India to produce a book full of colour and vibrancy.
£7.20
Penguin Books Ltd The Penguin Dictionary of Proverbs
Book SynopsisEntertaining and informative, this rich and diverse collection of over 6000 proverbs (and their origins) is a delight to browse and the perfect addition to any home reference shelf.
£10.79
Manchester University Press Folklore
Book SynopsisThis is the definitive guide to British folklore. Written by two of the country's leading experts, it covers everything from wizards and witches to UFOs and internet fanfiction. -- .
£19.00
Penguin Books Ltd The Myth of the Goddess
Book SynopsisA comprehensive study that draws upon poetry and mythology, art and literature, archaeology and psychology to show how the myth of the goddess has been lost from our formal Judeo-Christian images of the divine. It explains what happened to the goddess, when, and how she was excluded from western culture, and the implications of this loss.Table of ContentsPart 1 The mother Goddess and her son-lover: in the beginning - the Paleolithic mother Goddess; the Neolithic great Goddess of Sky, Earth and Waters; Crete - the Goddess of Life, Death and Regeneration; the Bronze Age - the mother Goddess and her son-lover; Inanna-Ishtar - Mesopotamian Goddess of The Great Above and The Great Below; Isis of Egypt - Queen of heaven, Earth and Underworld; Tiamat of Babylon - the defeat of the Goddess; Goddesses of Greece - Gaia, Hera, Artemis and Athena. Part 2 The sacred marriage: Goddesses of Greece - Aphrodite, Demeter and Persephone; Cybele - great Goddess of Anatolia and Rome; the Iron Age - the great father God Yahweh-Elohim; the hidden Goddess in the Old Testament; Eve - the mother of all living; Mary - the return of the Goddess; Sophia - mother, daughter and bride; the sacred marriage of Goddess and God - the reunion of nature and spirit. Appendices: prehistoric times; the Christian gospels.
£21.25
Penguin Books Ltd Ka
Book Synopsis''To read Ka is to experience a giddy invasion of stories - brilliant, enigmatic, troubling, outrageous, erotic, beautiful'' The New York Times''Who?'' - or ''ka'' - is the question that runs through Roberto Calasso''s retelling of the stories of the minds and gods of India; the primordial question that continues to haunt human existence. From the Rigveda to the Upanishads, the Mahabharata to the life of Buddha, this book delves into the corpus of classical Sanskrit literature to re-imagine the ancient Indian myths and how they resonate through space and time.''The very best book about Hindu mythology that anyone has ever written'' Wendy Doniger''Dazzling, complex, utterly original ... Ka is his masterpiece'' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewIf you want a dazzling, complex, erotic and utterly original European novel of ideas, Calasso is your man, and Ka his masterpiece * Sunday Times *To read Ka is to experience a giddy invasion of stories - brilliant, enigmatic, troubling, outrageous, erotic, beautiful ... these stories are superbly narrated -- Sunil Khilnani * New York Times Book Review *Passage[s] of such ecstatic insight and cross-cultural synthesis-simply, of such beauty * The New York Review of Books *The very best book about Hindu mythology that anyone has ever written ... A magnificent reading of Hindu texts. Its power arises in part through strong, vivid writing and in part through stunning, unexpected metaphors -- Wendy Doniger * The New Republic *Magnificent ... A moving, exhilarating, extraordinary book ... An astonishing synthesis of myths and legends, philosophical inquiry, and speculative narrative -- Shashi Tharoor * Washington Post Book World *A scintillatingly challenging book ... Its opening sentences are as startling as any in all of literature -- Thomas McGonigle * Los Angeles Times *All is spectacle and delight, and tiny mirrors reflecting human foibles are set into the weave, turning this retelling into the stuff of literature ... Calasso's erudition and his capacity for invention appear to be limitless * The New Yorker *
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd Yorùbá Boy Running
Book Synopsis
£9.49
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
The History Press Ltd Woodland Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland
Book SynopsisA collection of traditional folk tales, including history, folklore and nature observations about the woodlands and forests of Britain and Ireland.Trade Review"Engrossing and enchanting and sometimes very entertaining."
£11.69
Oxford University Press The Poetic Edda
Book SynopsisShe sees, coming up a second time,earth from the ocean, eternally green;the waterfalls plunge, an eagle soars above them,over the mountain hunting fish.After the terrible conflagration of Ragnarok, the earth rises serenely again from the ocean, and life is renewed. The Poetic Edda begins with The Seeress''s Prophecy which recounts the creation of the world, and looks forward to its destruction and rebirth. In this great collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry, the exploits of gods and humans are related. The one-eyed Odin, red-bearded Thor, Loki the trickster, the lovely goddesses, and the giants who are their enemies walk beside the heroic Helgi, Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer, Brynhild the shield-maiden, and the implacable Gudrun. This translation also features the quest-poem The Lay of Svipdag and The Waking of Angantyr, in which a girl faces down her dead father to retrieve his sword.Comic, tragic, instructive, grandiose, witty, and profound, the poems of the Edda have influenced artists from Wagner to Tolkien and speak to us as freely as when they were first written down seven hundred and fifty years ago.Trade ReviewLarringtons version of The Poetic Edda has been beautifully translated, and the flow of each poem is perfect. * Kirsty Hewitt, Book Hugger *A 750-year-old haul of Icelandic verse might not sound like cutting-edge entertainment but these sinewy sagas include such modern elements as gutsy heroines and ultra-violence. * Christopher Hirst, Independent *This is a lovingly presented translation of one of the most important works of Norse mythology ... A fabulous collection worthy of multiple readings. * Arthur Chappell, Concatenation.org *
£16.19
The Gresham Publishing Co. Ltd Scottish Myths and Legends
Book Synopsis"Scottish Myths and Legends" is an entertaining taste of the feast of stories that Scotland has to offer. Fairy folk, witches, giants, monsters, tales of heroic princes, magic and miraculous feats - all are the stuff of the myths and legends of Scotland. Scotland is a nation made up of many peoples and cultures. This diversity of cultural influence is reflected in Scotland's vast store of myths and legends. This book contains a fascinating selection of these; some recent, some ancient, some obscure in origin and others based (however loosely) on fact. We invite you to revel in engaging tales of selkies, kelpies, glaistigs, fairy queens and changelings; wonder at the mysteries that may be hidden in the depths of Scottish lochs; and, shiver at tales of supernatural disappearances, deadly creatures and grisly deeds, and if you ever meet someone called Sawney Bean, who lived in a cave with his family and ate people - run for your life!Table of ContentsTales of the sea; legendary places; monsters on land and water; visitors to the fairy realm; legendary figures; Celtic myths; Giants; Witches; Murder; Clans; Holy Men of Scotland; Glaistigs and Kelpies
£6.83
Penguin Books Ltd The Greek Myths Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition
Book SynopsisThe gold standard in Greek mythology, in a dazzling Graphic Deluxe Edition featuring flaps, deckled edges, and specially commissioned cover art by Ross Macdonald and a new introduction by the multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians seriesFrom the creation of the world out of Chaos and the birth of the Olympians to the Trojan War and Odysseus's return, Robert Graves's superb retelling of the Greek myths has long been acclaimed as the definitive edition. Graves draws on sources scattered throughout ancient literature, using a novelist's skill to weave a crisp, coherent narrative of each myth and providing commentaries with cross-references, interpretations, and explanations based on solid scholarship. The result is a classic volume of many of the greatest stories ever told—stories of the gods, heroes, and extraordinary events that inspired Homer, the Greek tragedians, and so much of subsequent European literature.
£14.99
Dover Publications Inc. Middle Eastern Mythology
Book SynopsisThe role of mythology in ritual and in the origins of customs, cults, and hero worship are the fascinating areas covered by this comparative survey. It discusses legends of the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Hittites, and Canaanites, plus mythological elements of the Jewish apocalyptic literature and the New Testament.
£9.49
Amberley Publishing The Magical History of Britain
Book SynopsisNew B-format paperback - The first book to consider British history from a magical perspective, and how these arcane magical themes developed over time.Trade Review‘A remarkable book … an inspiration from the heart of the Shire’ -- Robert Plant
£10.44
Amberley Publishing The Dark Side of Japan
Book SynopsisA fascinating collection of folktales, ritual black magic, protection spells, monsters and other dark interpretations of life and death from Japanese folklore.
£14.39
