Folklore studies / Study of myth Books
Oxford University Press Superstition
Book SynopsisDo you touch wood for luck, or avoid hotel rooms on floor thirteen? Would you cross the path of a black cat, or step under a ladder? Is breaking a mirror just an expensive waste of glass, or something rather more sinister? Despite the dominance of science in today''s world, superstitious beliefs - both traditional and new - remain surprisingly popular. A recent survey of adults in the United States found that 33 percent believed that finding a penny was good luck, and 23 percent believed that the number seven was lucky. Where did these superstitions come from, and why do they persist today?This Very Short Introduction explores the nature and surprising history of superstition from antiquity to the present. For two millennia, superstition was a label derisively applied to foreign religions and unacceptable religious practices, and its primary purpose was used to separate groups and assert religious and social authority. After the Enlightenment, the superstition label was still used to define groups, but the new dividing line was between reason and unreason. Today, despite our apparent sophistication and technological advances, superstitious belief and behaviour remain widespread, and highly educated people are not immune. Stuart Vyse takes an exciting look at the varieties of popular superstitious beliefs today and the psychological reasons behind their continued existence, as well as the likely future course of superstition in our increasingly connected world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewStimulating and informative. * Alexander Faludy, Church Times *This succinct summary of the history of and psychology behind superstition is so superb that I am adopting it for my college course on critical thinking and recommend it be required reading for all social science students. Stuart Vyse is such a marvelous writer and clear thinker, in fact, that this book should be required reading for all humans susceptible to superstitions, which is to say all of humanity. * Michael Shermer, Publisher, Skeptic magazine *Stuart Vyse has packed a lot into this little book, including a comprehensive discussion of the way in which the concept of superstition has changed across the ages, the psychology of superstition, and the implications of superstitious thinking for the modern world - all presented in an engaging and informative style. Highly recommended! * Professor Chris French, Goldsmiths, University of London *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: The meanings of superstition 2: Religious superstition 3: Secular superstition 4: Superstition today 5: Why do people believe? 6: The future of superstition Further reading Index
£9.49
The University of Chicago Press Letting Stories Breathe A SocioNarratology
Book SynopsisStories accompany us through life from birth to death. This title offers both a theory of how stories shape us and a useful method for analyzing them. It uses literary concepts to ask social scientific questions: how do stories make life better, and when do they endanger it?
£19.95
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Birds and Beasts
Book SynopsisBumbling flying elephants, the demon serpent, a brash peacock, crafty jackals, a curious leopard, and even an evil, shape-shifting jinn, all make an appearance in this delightful collection of tales from India. Beautifully illustrated and imaginatively retold, Birds and Beasts, takes the reader on a fantastical journey into the wild and wonderful world of magical beasts and whimsical animals. These tales are drawn from classic texts, such as the Hitopadesha, the Kathasaritsagara, the Puranas, and the Quran. They include oral tales from Ladakh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and tribal folklore as well. Sourced from classic texts and collections of folk tales that date as far back as the 11th century, the stories range from the unusual to the familiar and bound to stir the imagination of every child. This title is the second in a series - the first being Mischief & Magic, a collection of magical tales from across India.
£11.69
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Once Upon A Time... there was a Thirsty Frog
Book SynopsisIntroduce your little one to fables and fairy tales from around the world with this spellbinding series of board books for children.Discover the Aboriginal Australian myth about a very thirsty frog named Tiddalik! The perfect bedtime story that will teach children the importance of sharing.Inside the colourful children''s book ideal for 3-5-year olds, you''ll find: - Beautiful, vibrant illustrations that bring the stories to life - Simple text is ideal for reading aloud and for bedtime - Introduction to a lesser-known folk tale and stories for young children - A reference section at the end of the book that explains the cultural history behind each story Once Upon a Time... there was a Thirsty Frog follows the tale of the very thirsty frog who drank all the water in the land! Tiddalik, the frog, has to learn how to share so that the other animals can also quench their thirst. What will the other animals do? Will Tiddalik ever learn how to share? Tuck your toddler or preschooler in with this charming retelling of the Aboriginal Australian story beautifully illustrated by Maja Andersen, bringing the fairy tale to life. Embark on an inspiring journey with Tiddalik, and teach your child emotional intelligence and the dangers of being selfish.Go on a journey around the world with these new illustrated fables and novels from DK that make the perfect addition to any child''s bookshelf. Other books in this series include Once Upon a Time... there was a Little Bird, Once Upon a Time... there was a Greedy King, Once Upon a Time... there was an Old Woman.
£7.59
University of Illinois Press The Complete Fables of Jean de La Fontaine
Book SynopsisAn inspired new translation of the work of one of the world's greatest fabulistsTrade ReviewLewis Galantière Prize, American Translators Association, 2008. "The translations are not literal but instead convey the spirit of the 17th-century writer. The volume includes . . . extensive notes offering comments and explicating sources, references, translation difficulties, and so on; and lovely illustrations by David Schorr. Highly recommended."--Choice"Ably translated from the French by Shapiro, the voices of the animals, birds, insects (and even the occasional human) who populate La Fontaine's fables come alive in rhyme and rhythm that develop the traditional tales." --Library Journal"In Shapiro's translations, meaning and sound patterns flow into each other with metrical control and create La Fontaine's soothing melody, which is reinforced through a never-ending wit and humor to articulate and to overcome his distaste for human folly."--Translation Review
£22.49
Little, Brown Book Group Ink Sigil
Book Synopsis''A NEW, ACTION-PACKED, ENCHANTINGLY FUN SERIES'' BooklistFrom New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne comes the start of a hugely entertaining new series set in the world of the Iron Druid Chronicles - about an eccentric master of magic solving an uncanny mystery in Scotland . . .Al MacBharrais is both blessed and cursed. He is blessed with an extraordinary white moustache, an appreciation for craft cocktails - and a most unique magical talent. He can cast spells with magically enchanted ink and he uses his gifts to protect our world from rogue minions of various pantheons, especially the Fae. But he is also cursed. Anyone who hears his voice will begin to feel an inexplicable hatred for Al, so he can only communicate through the written word or speech apps. And his apprentices keep dying in peculiar freak accidents. As his personal life crumbles around him, he devotes his life to his work, all the while trying to crack the secret of his curse. But when his latest apprentice, Gordie, turns up dead in his Glasgow flat, Al discovers evidence that Gordie was living a secret life of crime. Now Al is forced to play detective - while avoiding actual detectives who are wondering why death seems to always follow Al. Investigating his apprentice''s death will take him through Scotland''s magical underworld, and he''ll need the help of a mischievous hobgoblin if he''s to survive.Packed to the brim with mystery, magic and mayhem, Ink & Sigil is perfect for fans of Rivers of London and Rotherweird.Praise for Ink & Sigil:''You are in for a great treat. Ink and Sigil is great escape reading, and I loved every word'' Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse books''Will transport you right in the Scottish realm of fey and fairies . . . The magic is both familiar and new, believable and extraordinary'' Charlie Holmberg, author of The Paper Magician''Vividly blends Kevin Hearne''s unique take on urban fantasy with the grit of Scottish magic'' Adam Christopher, author of Empire State''Ink & Sigil is filled to the brim with the Hearne-anigans we''ve all grown to love. Fans of ribald humor, literary puns and the odd hobgoblin will be enchanted by this paranormal mystery'' Jaye Wells, author of the Prospero''s War seriesTrade ReviewYou are in for a great treat. Ink & Sigil is great escape reading, and I loved every word * Charlaine Harris *[A] terrific kick-off of a new, action-packed, enchantingly fun series * BOOKLIST *Delightful! * LIBRARY JOURNAL *Kevin Hearne's Ink and Sigil is a novel that will transport you right in the Scottish realm of fey and fairies and have you thinking the "other" is real. The magic is both familiar and new, believable and extraordinary -- Charlie Holmberg, author of THE PAPER MAGICIANKevin Hearne has used ink and paper to craft his own brand of magic. Ink & Sigil is filled to the brim with the Hearne-anigans we've all grown to love. Fans of ribald humor, literary puns, and the odd hobgoblin will be enchanted by this paranormal mystery -- Jaye Wells, author of the Prospero’s War seriesA delightfully grimy journey through the hidden underworld of Glasgow, Ink & Sigil vividly blends Kevin Hearne's unique take on urban fantasy with the grit of Scottish magic -- Adam Christopher, author of EMPIRE STATE
£9.49
WW Norton & Co Fearless Girls Wise Women and Beloved Sisters
Book SynopsisOne hundred great folk tales and fairy tales from all over the world about strong, smart, brave heroines.Trade Review"[A] spell-binding anthology…shimmering, spine-tingling tales in which females of every shape, age, and size valiantly and selflessly save the day." -- Elle"It is the magic of these stories that came as a revelation to me…I hope this book becomes a classic." -- Susan Griffin - Los Angeles Times"The stories are gems…delightfully fresh folktales from six continents whose lively plots will enspirit both parents and teachers." -- Ruth P. Bottigheimer, author of Grimm's Bad Girls and Bold Boys"Anthologist Kathleen Ragan has, with the publication of this book, become an important figure in the restoration of the feminine aspect of the hero. She gives us the broadest selection of female hero stories that has ever been published." -- Jane Yolen, from the foreword"As edifying as it is entertaining." -- Booklist
£999.99
Penguin Putnam Inc Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes A NoBullshit Guide to
Book SynopsisFrom the creator of Myths Retold comes a hilarious collection of Greek, Norse, Chinese and even Sumerian myths retold in their purest, bawdiest forms!All our lives, we’ve been fed watered-down, PC versions of the classic myths. In reality, mythology is more screwed up than a schizophrenic shaman doing hits of unidentified…wait, it all makes sense now. In Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes, Cory O’Brien, creator of Myths RETOLD!, sets the stories straight. These are rude, crude, totally sacred texts told the way they were meant to be told: loudly, and with lots of four-letter words.Did you know?Cronus liked to eat babies.Narcissus probably should have just learned to masturbate.Odin got construction discounts with bestiality.Isis had bad taste in jewelry.Ganesh was the very definition of an unplanned pregnancy.And Abraham was totally cool about stabbing his kid in the face.St
£11.39
Basic Books Coyote America
Book SynopsisThe New York Times best-selling account of how coyotes--long the target of an extermination policy--spread to every corner of the United States Finalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award 'A masterly synthesis of scientific research and personal observation.' -Wall Street Journal Legends don't come close to capturing the incredible story of the coyote. In the face of centuries of campaigns of annihilation employing gases, helicopters, and engineered epidemics, coyotes didn't just survive, they thrived, expanding across the continent from Alaska to New York. In the war between humans and coyotes, coyotes have won, hands-down. Coyote America is the illuminating five-million-year biography of this extraordinary animal, from its origins to its apotheosis. It is one of the great epics of our time.
£15.29
Dover Publications Inc. Mitford A Tales of Old Japan
Book SynopsisAn engrossing array of stories, this entertaining volume chronicles an ancient culture. The book provides grisly accounts of revenge and knightly exploits, a fascinating eyewitness account of a hara-kiri ceremony, tales of vampires and samurai, Buddhist sermons, and the plots of four No plays. 38 illustrations.
£13.04
Dover Publications Inc. Irish Fairy Legends
Book Synopsis
£10.44
Thames & Hudson Ltd The Greek Myths That Shape the Way We Think
Book SynopsisA sophisticated look into the eight Greek myths that remain the most relevant to us today, exploring their powerful cultural impact from their ancient origins to the present. The Greek myths have been retold countless times, first by the conquering Romans, then through the medieval and Renaissance eras of Europe, and finally finding new expression in masterworks of art, literature and cinema on the global stage. Classical scholar Richard Buxton explores the stories at the heart of this ancient mythology and how they have come to influence our society today. The Greek legends seem to speak to us universally, their deities tantalizingly human - often indulging in behaviours morally ambiguous at best and obscene at worst - and their heroes dealing with dilemmas and destinies that echo, if exaggeratedly, conflicts in our own lives. The dramatic choices that such figures as Prometheus, Medea and Oedipus face have resonated with audiences over thousands of years. Each chapter focTrade Review'"Promethean" and "Herculean": everyday words in our English language but they evoke a wealth of mythical associations when one delves back - as Richard Buxton does so brilliantly - into their ancient Greek origins. Buxton's adroit selection of ancient myths to re-tell is perfectly suited to explaining as well as narrating these stories' enduring charm' - Paul Cartledge, A.G. Leventis Professor of Greek Culture emeritus, University of Cambridge'In his exquisitely written and beautifully illustrated new book, Professor Buxton takes us on an enchanting journey through three millennia of the lives and afterlives of Greek myths, of telling and retelling, appropriation, subversion and reinvention. No-one has better conveyed these stories' bearing on our XXIst century minds, whether we debate our origins or futures, relationships between genders or between species, or the dilemmas of love, politics and choice. With great passion, humour and empathy, Buxton has made these eternal tales his own and in the process made them ours all over again. A must-read for all ages' - Kalypso Nicolaïdis, Professor of International Relations, University of Oxford'A stunning survey and a convincing argument for myths’ continuing ability to speak to us, this masterly and insightful work should inspire students and general readers alike' - Library Journal'This is simply the best lucid and scholarly guide available … very well written, with a romping sense of irony and fun, and rapid but very comfortable pace. If there is a body of mythology which really has shaped our lives, along with the whole of Western civilisation, then this is it, and if there is a book on the stocks at present which most effectively and enjoyably shapes an appreciation of why that is, then this one is it as well' - Ronald Hutton'Lively' - History Revealed'‘[A] bountiful, beautifully illustrated guide to eight Greek myths … packed with fascinating curios, intriguing asides and spiralling sub-plots' - The Spectator'[Buxton] is an academic and a skilled communicator who does justice to the mysterious otherness of the mythic world' - The Church TimesTable of ContentsIntroduction: An inexhaustible resource 1. Prometheus 2. Medea 3. Daedalus and Icarus 4. The Amazons 5. Oedipus 6. The Judgment of Paris 7. The Labours of Heracles 8. Orpheus and Eurydice 9. Conclusion
£17.00
Faber & Faber Venetian Navigators
Book SynopsisIn the 1380s and 90s, Nicolò and Antonio Zen journeyed from Venice up the North Atlantic, encountering warrior princes, fighting savage natives and, just possibly, reaching the New World a full century before Columbus. The story of their adventure travelled throughout Europe, from the workshop of the great cartographer Mercator to the court of Elizabeth I. For centuries, the brothers were international celebrities, until, in 1835, the story was denounced as a ''tissue of lies'' and the Zens faded into oblivion.Following in their footsteps Andrea di Robilant sets out to discover the truth about the Zen voyages in a journey that takes him from the crumbling Palazzo Zen in Venice to the Orkney Islands, the Faroes, Iceland and Greenland. Part history, part travelogue, Venetian Navigators is a charming tale of great journeys, fine detective work and faith, against the odds.
£10.44
Gill Pocket Old Irish Stories
Book SynopsisKings and farmers, monsters and fairies, magic and mayhem all the ingredients of classic legends are to be found between the pages of this book.
£6.99
Gill Young Fionn
Book SynopsisHe is Ireland's most famous warrior, a legendary figure who has enchanted children for millennia. But who really was Fionn Mac Cumhaill? And what was he like when he was a child?In this wonderful, modern retelling of an ancient tale, based on a 12th-century manuscript, Ronan Moore brings young Fionn to life in a series of wild adventures.A cheeky kid, constantly trying to outsmart the adults around him, Fionn is on the run from his father's enemies who want him dead. Travel with him as he journeys throughout Ireland, evading capture, outwitting enemies, and training to become the greatest leader Ireland has ever known.Including the well-known myths of the Salmon of Knowledge and the Dragon of Tara, this book will appeal to all children as they follow Fionn's life up to the point of his becoming leader of the Fianna.Download the Young Fionn Activity sheet here.
£8.99
Canongate Books Sword of Shadows 13 A Crispin Guest Mystery
Book SynopsisA quest to find the ancient sword Excalibur quickly turns into a hunt for a determined killer for Crispin Guest.London, 1396. A trip to the swordsmith shop for Crispin Guest, Tracker of London, and his apprentice Jack Tucker takes an unexpected turn when Crispin crosses paths with Carantok Teague, a Cornish treasure hunter. Carantok has a map he is convinced will lead him to the sword of Excalibur - a magnificent relic dating back to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table - and he wants Crispin to help him find it. Travelling to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall with Carantok and Jack, Crispin is soon reunited with an old flame as he attempts to locate the legendary sword. But does Excalibur really exist, or is he on an impossible quest? When a body is discovered, Crispin''s search for treasure suddenly turns into a hunt for a dangerous killer.
£19.94
Llewellyn Publications,U.S. From the Cauldron Born
Book SynopsisExploration of the Welsh-Celtic myth of the prophet/poet Taliesin and the witch/goddess Cerridwen takes the reader on a transformative journey, this book introduces them to core Celtic philosophy and magic, then embarks on a powerful, experiential foray into one of Wales' legends.
£16.99
Little, Brown Book Group A Complete Guide To Fairies And Magical Beings
Book SynopsisIn A COMPLETE GUIDE TO FAIRIES AND MAGICAL BEINGS, Cassandra Eason explores the enduring popularity of fairies and nature spirits across all ages and cultures and the history of fairies across a range of countries, cultures and faiths. She examines the main types of fairies from nature spirits, devas, earth spirits and elementals, to trolls, goblins and djinns; looks at the evidence for the existence of fairies and famous case histories of fairy sightings, explores how fairies have been a potent source of inspiration in myth and literature from Shakespeare to Peter Pan and what this tells us about their symbolic power; explores fairies, nature spirits and healing, including the discovery and creation of flower and tree essences; examines ways to access the fairy world including drawing on the energies present in ley lines, standing stones and sacred wells; and provides exercises and rituals to help you unlock the power of fairies to transform your own life and develop your spiritualitTrade ReviewI would certainly recommend A Complete Guide to Fairies and Magical Beings as a good introduction to fairy lore and fairy magic and I've very glad I treated myself to buying a copy * badwitch.co.uk *
£9.49
The History Press Ltd Scottish Borders Folk Tales
Book SynopsisThis lively and entertaining collection of folk tales from the Scottish Borders is rich in stories both tall and true, ancient and more recent, dark and funny, fantastical and powerful.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Buckinghamshire Folk Tales
Book SynopsisFolk tales from Buckinghamshire from a professional storyteller
£11.69
The History Press Ltd The Norfolk Story Book
Book SynopsisDiscover the magic of the Norwich Snap Dragon, adventure through pre-historic Norfolk with a mammoth, find out why the region’s famous mustard doesn’t mix with smelly feet, and get swept back in time to experience Norwich as it was seen through the eyes of two mysterious statues.
£9.49
The History Press Ltd Lanarkshire Folk Tales
Book SynopsisThe first collection of folk tales from Lanarkshire, Scotland’s most populated regionTrade Review"A myriad of myths and legends are uncovered in its many pages - from a cantankerous brownie in Dolphinton to the vampire with iron teeth who terrorised Glasgow""This book has been a revelation. The snippets of domestic history are fascinating."
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Midlothian Folk Tales
Book SynopsisAn enchanting collection of folk tales retold by a professional storyteller
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Cornish Folk Tales of Place Traditional Stories
Book SynopsisCornish tales of moor, coast and village, the result of a successful community projectTrade Review‘You don’t have to believe in magic – but it helps.’ -- Mark Camp
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Yorkshire Folk Tales for Children
Book SynopsisLocal folk tales from Yorkshire, specially retold for children by a professional storyteller
£9.99
The History Press Ltd Myths of Gods and Goddesses in Britain and
Book SynopsisStories of the ancient deities that have shaped the mythological landscape of Britain and Ireland
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Tales of the Irish Hedgerows
Book SynopsisA collection of tales and folklore centred on the flora and fauna of the Irish hedgerow. These are atmospheric stories, interweaving fact and fiction, written by a professional storyteller.
£999.99
The History Press Ltd Folklore of Hampshire
Book SynopsisFrom Abbotts Ann and the Maiden's Garlands to the Tichborne Dole and St Swithun's forty days of rain, Folklore of Hampshire looks at the county as never before. Hampshire is proud host to traditions, customs and legends that may seem strange to the people of the twenty-first century but were very real to the Hampshire folk of yesteryear. While some of these customs have died out others are still with us, continuing a rich heritage. This book reveals some of the county's saints, witches, superstitions, music, ghosts and legends, and talks to the Hampshire Hogs' who ensure that folklore from the past retains a place in modern society.
£13.49
The History Press Ltd Denbighshire Folk Tales
Book SynopsisWales is especially rich in the folklore of place, and this collection brings a new perspective to the history of Denbighshire, the oldest inhabited area of Wales. With hills, valleys, moorland and coast, this varied land has inspired many tales of ancient battles, strange creatures and curious customs. This compilation of stories from the ancient lore of the modern county of Denbighshire includes local legends, folk tales, stories of magic and mystery and tales of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Discover dragons and devils, ghosts and giants, witches and cunning men, poets, heroes, saints, kings and queens and, of course, Y Tylwyth Teg, The Fair Folk. A speaker of both languages of Wales, the author has collected some unusual material which will be of particular interest to non-Welsh speakers, who will meet these tales for the first time here.With illustrations from local artist Ed Fisher complementing the tales, this volume will be enjoyed by old and y
£9.49
The History Press Ltd West Yorkshire Folk Tales
Book SynopsisWhether hailing from the open Pennine hills or the close-knit neighbourhoods of industrial towns, West Yorkshire folk have always been fond of a good tale. This collection of stories from around the county is a tribute to their narrative vitality, and commemorates places and people who have left their mark on their communities. Here you will find legendary rocks, Robin Hood, tragic love affairs, thwarted villainy, witches, fairies, hidden treasure and much more. The intriguing stories, brought to life with illustrations from a local artist, will be enjoyed by readers time and again.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Wiltshire Folk Tales
Book SynopsisThese lively and entertaining folk tales from one of Britain''s most ancient counties are vividly retold by local storyteller Kirsty Hartsiotis. Their origins lost in the oral tradition, these thirty stories from Wiltshire reflect the wisdom of the county and its people. From the Giant''s Dance to the Great Western Railway, no stone is left unturned to discover the roots of the county. Discover the Moonraker''s passages and Merlin''s trickery, dabchicks and the devil, the flying monk of Malmesbury and a canal ghost story. These tales have all stood the test of time, and remain classic texts that will be enjoyed time and again by modern readers.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd London Folk Tales
Book SynopsisLondon is a world unto itself; an outrageous, quirky and diverse microcosm where all walks of life cross paths, their languages jostling and mingling and there are tales whichever way you turn. Now thirty of the best, drawn from oral history and newly recorded local reminiscence, as well as folk sources and written texts, have been brought to life by a mistress of storytelling. Here you will find Dick Whittington alongside the patron saint of cobblers, a royal rat rubbing shoulders with the Maid Uncumber, and fish that decide destinies. Revisit old friends and discover new ones in this wonderful selection of London folk tales as light and dark, and as full of unexpected twists, as the streets of London itself.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Sussex Folk Tales Folk Tales United Kingdom Folk
Book SynopsisWith screaming demons in Wealdon copses and dragons lurking in bottomless ponds, the folk tales of Sussex truly represent the diversity of the area.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Lancashire Folk Tales
Book SynopsisThese lively and entertaining folk tales from one of Britain’s most diverse counties are vividly retold by writer, storyteller and poet Jennie Bailey and storyteller, writer, psychotherapist and shamanic guide David England.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Aberdeenshire Folk Tales
Book Synopsisthe silver city and surrounding farm lands, the forested and mountainous terrain through which the River Dee flows, the rolling, gentler land surrounding the meandering River Don and the beautiful but sometimes forbidding Aberdeenshire coastline.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Orkney Folk Tales
Book SynopsisThe Orkney Islands are a place of mystery and magic, where the past and the present meet, ancient standing stones walk and burial mounds are the home of the trows. Orkney Folk Tales walks the reader across invisible islands that are home to fin folk and mermaids, and seals that are often far more than they appear to be.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Snowdonia Folk Tales
Book SynopsisThe old kingdom of Gwynedd – the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), Ynys (Anglesey) and the Llyˆn Peninsula – may be the most mythic landscape in Britain.
£11.69
Running Press,U.S. Fairies Oracle Deck and Guidebook
Book SynopsisFairies from different literary and folk traditions around the world come together in this vibrantly illustrated oracle deck and guidebook set!- Gorgeously Illustrated: Each of the 40 cards in this oracle deck is illustrated with stunning original artwork that bring the magic of fairies to life. Let Joan the Wad shine light on a path forward, or cry with The Banshee in your hour of grief; re-centre yourself among your belongings with the help of the Korean Dokkaebi, or dance in a Fairy Ring. These and many more fairy oracles are just a pull away in this one-of-a-kind set that celebrates these small yet powerful creatures.- Deluxe Set: This set includes 40 full-colour illustrated cards (3 x 5 inches); an 88-page, full-colour illustrated paperback book (3 x 5 inches); and a keepsake magnetic closure box; cards and travel case are embedded in an interior tray.- Fully Illustrated Oracle Guidebook: This set includes a full-colour illustrated companion book to the card deck, providing the history and context of each oracle and a dose of inspiration.- Perfect Gift: This whimsical, beautiful oracle deck and book set is an ideal gift for fairy lovers or anyone interested in divination.A note on packaging: In order to help honour our planet and reduce waste, we have only shrink wrapped the interior cards, rather than the keepsake box. Please feel confident that your product is not defective or used.
£16.05
Running Press Book Publishers Mermaids Oracle Deck and Guidebook
Book SynopsisThis beautiful deck features 40 diverse mermaids from folklore traditions and literature all over the world, harnessing their power and beauty to serve as a divination tool for mystics of all ages. For thousands of years, mermaids and other sea creatures have called the water home, accessing the ancient strength and wisdom of the ocean. What new kinds of courage, fortitude, and clarity will you discover when you plumb the briny depths? Gorgeously Illustrated: This vibrantly illustrated oracle deck and guidebook brings together mermaids, mermen, and other aquatic beings from global literary and folk traditions. Each of the 40 cards in this deck is illustrated with stunningly original artwork that brings the magic of merfolk—from the immortal Grecian mermaid, Glaucus; to the Brazilian warrior mermaid, Iara—to new and fascinating life. Deluxe Set: This set includes 40 full-color illustrated cards (3 x 5 inches); an 88-page, full-color illustrated paperback book (3 x 5 inches); and a keepsake magnetic closure box. Fully Illustrated Oracle Guidebook: This set includes a full-color illustrated companion book to the card deck, providing the history and context of 40 culturally unique and fascinating legends of the sea, along with a dose of inspiration Perfect Gift: This whimsical, beautiful oracle deck and book set is an ideal gift for mermaid lovers or anyone who is interested in divination A note on packaging: In order to help honor our planet and reduce waste, we have only shrink wrapped the interior cards, rather than the keepsake box. Please feel confident that your product is not defective or used.
£15.29
Abbeville Press Inc.,U.S. From Angels to Werewolves
Book SynopsisThe alluring mermaids sighted by lonely mariners. The winged angels, by turns avenging and comforting, that abound in Christian art. The fearsome Minotaur of Greek mythology. Animal-headed deities, from the elephant-headed Ganesha in India to the falcon-headed Horus in ancient Egypt. An enigmatic cave painting representing a possibly shamanic figure with the hindparts of a man and the foreparts of a stag. As far back as we go in human history, we find therianthropes, or animal-human hybrids. In this thoughtful volume, Philip F. Palmedo surveys each of the major categories of therianthrope in turn from animal-headed beings to merpeople to shape-shifters with particular attention to their roles in religion, folklore, and the popular consciousness. With well-chosen colour illustrations, he demonstrates how artists of all eras have shaped our conception of these mythical beings. Palmedo closes the book by theorising about the ultimate origin and meaning of therianthropes, placing them
£26.96
Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond
Book SynopsisSet in a wild and immaculate landscape threatened by industry and environmental degradation, a compassionate and gripping exploration of one of the world’s most baffling mysteries—the existence of the SasquatchTrade ReviewPraise for In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond:Finalist for the Edna Staebler Creative Nonfiction AwardAn Amazon Best Book of the YearNamed a Must-Read Book of 2019 by Book Riot“Books on supernatural phenomena typically steer one of two courses: tabloid gullibility or mean-spirited debunkery. Zada deftly tightropes between the two . . . In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond is not really about sasquatch. It is about how we see what we want to see and don’t see what we’re not prepared to see . . . A quirky and oddly captivating tale.”—Eric Weiner, Washington Post“An adventure story in the tradition of Paul Theroux and, in parts, Jon Krakauer . . . Zada is a latter-day Henry David Thoreau or John Muir . . . Searching for an elusive ape, Zada has a knack for meeting unforgettable humans.”—Peter Kuitenbrouwer, Globe and Mail“If people can believe in God, why not Sasquatch? Zada takes us through the temperate rainforest of British Columbia looking for both the hairy bipedal and the mythology and landscape surrounding it. Terrific nature writing with a furry twist.”—Kerri Arsenault, Orion “Full of dramatic, tense chase scenes—the book is, quite literally, an adventure story.”—Nick Ripatrazone, The Millions“Zada wonders only in passing about how big Bigfoot’s feet are or how richly the creature may stink. His concerns are more metaphysical: What does it mean to believe in something absurd, something that eludes any effort to prove its existence? Roaming through the First Nations communities of coastal British Columbia, Zada camps out at the foggy junction of lore and fact. He’s a disarming travel companion, and his curiosity is contagious.”—Dan Piepenbring, Paris Review“As eloquent and big-hearted as, for instance, Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard . . . Despite the towering creature at its heart, the genius of In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond is most often its human pathos . . . Odd, winning gravitas . . . The shelf of serious, beautifully done Bigfoot books isn’t exactly a crowded one, but it now has an indisputable classic.”—Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Monthly“Less the hooting and wood-knocking sensationalism of Finding Bigfoot (though that show certainly has its charms) than Robert Michael Pyles’s Where Bigfoot Walks, another book that leans toward respectability with its emphasis on natural history. Zada’s entry is a beautifully rendered account of a mist-shrouded world suspended between myth and modernity: its people, culture, ecology, and for receptive readers, its most mysterious denizen.”—Jon Foro, Amazon Book Review“In seeking to discover Bigfoot, Zada uncovers a different story, one that’s about all of us . . . [In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond] belongs among the travel memoirs. It’s literature.”—Oklahoman“For lovers of nature writing who also definitely want to know about the Sasquatch (so, everyone).”—Emily Temple, Literary Hub“Zada writes engagingly in the tradition of the best travel writers with genuine feeling for this anachronistic humanoid symbol of the lost world.”—Fortean Times“Bigfoot lives—maybe, as this X-Files-worthy tale reveals . . . Traveling deep into the old-growth forests of British Columbia, [Zada] had a look for himself, and it’s not too much of a spoiler to say that he adds to the seen/unproven inventory . . . Believe or don’t, the author writes nimbly and well, and his story is modest and evenhanded even as he lets us know just where he stands. An entertaining, provocative exercise in cryptozoology.”—Kirkus Reviews“In this fascinating nature narrative, freelance writer Zada searches for evidence of Bigfoot in the forests of the Pacific Northwest . . . Zada relates his adventures, including his encounters with bears, along with his observations into the collective unconscious of humans and how brains construct reality . . . Zada’s fun, well-written travelogue will interest environmentalists and armchair adventurers alike.”—Publishers Weekly“Zada strikes an engaging balance between curiosity and skepticism, letting the locals’ convincing stories speak for themselves while probing the science behind misperceptions and cultural beliefs. While fringe-watchers will relish Zada’s Sasquatch research, nature buffs will also enjoy his lush descriptions of the Canadian Pacific Northwest wilderness.”—Booklist“John Zada is one of those rare writers who conjures spellbinding prose through an acute sense of nature’s significance and the mythologies we all inhabit. A profound debut.”—Robert Twigger, author of White Mountain: A Cultural Adventure through the Himalayas and Red Nile: A Biography of the World’s Greatest River“In the world of travel writing there are two kinds of author. The first writes from the outside in, at best only scratching the surface of the lands through which they travel. The second kind of author writes in a profound and elegant way, the narrative charged with humility—observed from the inside out. John Zada is an author of the second approach—from the school of master travel writers. His prose is an utter delight, and his observances are shrewd and often extraordinary. But most of all, Zada has the ability to suck readers in deep, so that they’re right there with him on the trail of the Sasquatch. I recommend In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond more highly than any other travel book I have read in years. With time it will become a classic, and Zada will be recognized as the foremost chronicler of what is surely one of the most beguiling preserves in all adventure.”—Tahir Shah, author of In Arabian Nights and The Caliph’s House“Finally a truly talented writer approaches a subject matter that has been otherwise relegated to a cultural punchline thanks to, primarily, reality television. John Zada’s quest for this holy grail and his compulsion for emotional narrative is nothing less than a modern-day mythical journey; and he shares it with us in a perfect blend of poetic prose and creative story-telling. I took this journey myself when I began producing ten documentary films on the subject of Bigfoot and John completely captures the essence of what you experience: the landscape first, followed by the people and their rich culture, and finally the human mind as it tries to make sense of what might be the world's most bewildering phenomenon. Only after that journey is completed, as John did, does one finally meet the creature itself.”—Survivorman Les Stroud“A fascinating and unique account of the Bigfoot phenomenon that is equal parts memoir, psychology, travelogue, cultural commentary and manifesto on nature. Totally gripping and unputdownable. Destined to be a classic of adventure and a standout among the more conventional works on the Sasquatch.”—Jason Webster, author of A Death in Valencia
£12.34
Tuttle Publishing Korean Childrens Favorite Stories
Book Synopsis
£11.69
Colourpoint Creative Ltd Irish Folk and Fairy Tales
Book SynopsisIn this wonderful collection of stories by some of Ireland's finest writers, including Carleton, Yeats and Lady Wilde, a legion of fairy folk leprechauns, giants, witches and mermaids help, hinder, charm and terrify their mortal neighbours.The fairy tales of Ireland are part of one of the richest folklore traditions in the world. These much-loved tales include the story of the farmer who offends the fairies by building on their dancing ground; the king who loses his wife in a chess game and the smith who learns his skill at working brass and iron during his seven-year apprenticeship to the giant Mahon MacMahon. The heroes and saints of the Celtic sagas are here as well, in beautifully written versions of the old bardic stories of Finn, Deirdre, Cuchulain and Brigid. Wielding the power to enthral and enchant, these ancient tales open the door to a strangely familiar world of mystery and magic.
£9.49
Floris Books The Death of Merlin
Book SynopsisTraces the origins of the story of King Arthur and the Grail, and explores the parallels between the quest for the Grail and the medieval search for the Philosopher's Stone.Trade Review'This book contains a series of essays and lectures written by one whose spiritual development was personally overseen by the great anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner I really enjoyed it, and learned a lot!'-- Inner Light Magazine, Summer 2008'Stein explores the early development of the mythic corpus of Grail legends Highly recommended.'-- BM Cauldron, May 2008'Walter Johnnes Stein was a polymath who was one of the leading followers of Steiner. It was a lecture by Stein in the 1930s that kindled the spiritual insight of the then agnostic Sir George Trevelyan One of the most interesting parts is the first chapter of the memoirs in which the author describes his own background, education and encounter with Steiner This is the work of an erudite man steeped in western culture but whose spiritual sight has also been opened. It is a remarkable series of essays.'-- Scientific and Medical Network Review, Spring 2008
£15.29
Floris Books The Power of Stories Nurturing Childrens
Book SynopsisExplores the power of Bible stories, fairy tales, and the Odysseus, Parsifal and Oedipus stories, considering how that power can be used to help children's healthy development.Trade Review'This beautifully written and wise book taps into a deep source, the spring of imagination. The author [...] gives very helpful examples of certain stories particularly well-suited to different ages, explaining how each matches and reflects the child's developing consciousness. If you have anything to do with children, buy this book. If you have anything to do with yourself, buy it as well.'-- Matthew Barton, New View, summer 2007'This book is about nurturing children's imagination and consciousness by the means of stories, the author calls this Story Medicine, whereby ancient traditions used stories as a means of transformation and healing ... This is a very important study of the role of stories in shaping our culture, reminding the reader of their central role.'-- David Lorimer, Scientific and Medical Network Review'Kornberger reminds us of the most powerful reason for using stories, that of helping children to understand their world and to overcome challenges ... If you read no other book about the importance of storytelling and the power of stories, I would recommend buying this book ... The book contains many stories that you will be familiar with and some that may be new. It will offer you a new way of looking at rhymes and stories and why they form an essential part of development.'-- Early Years Educator, January 2009
£15.29
Floris Books A Rosslyn Treasury
Book SynopsisA collection of stories represented by the carvings at Rosslyn Chapel, drawn from the beginnings of the world, Ancient Egypt, the Holy Land, Celtic myth and Scottish history.Trade Review'Peter Snow opens up the spiritual treasury of Rosslyn as a medieval storybook for modern times. Eschewing pseudo history, he marries the stories and the symbols to delight and inspire.'-- Donald Smith, Director, Scottish Storytelling Centre'Through giving examples of recent and intersting discoveries about the chapel, Peter Snow points out that it is still 'revealing its secrects'. With its mixture of tales and historical snippets I found A Rosslyn Treasury offered an interesting and entertaining way of learning a great deal about Rosslyn Chapel itself together with the symbology and meaning behind its many carvings.' -- Rosemary Usselman, New View'Rosslyn Chapel exerts an enduring fascination, drawing visitors from all over the world to a small building that one would image can hardly contain all the expectations of it. Yet despite the hype and nonsense, it retains its romance, this book may be a key as to why Snow illustrates the story's role as an act of pilgrimage'-- Northern Earth, issue 120'The author suggest that this building needs to be understood at three levels: physical, spiritual and divine; this is the meaning of sacred art as a way of raising conciousness to the divine by means of physical manifestation'-- Scientific and Medical Network Review. Winter 2009/10'Peter Snow's Rosslyn Treasury picks up on the lore/legend theme in an eloquent celebration of Rosslyn as a place of story. Finely produced and told this is a testimony to the continuing power of legend.'-- Blethers , Scottish Storytelling Centre and NetworkTable of ContentsPreface: Rosslyn and its stories and legendsIntroduction: A Brief History of Rosslyn1. The Expulsion from Eden2. The Golden Legend3. The Green Men -- Osiris4. Hermes Trismegistus5. Melchizedek, Abraham and Isaac6. Moses7. The Temple of Solomon8. Elijah9. The Three Kings10. Saint Veronica11. The Soldiers of Golgotha12. The Cockle Shell13. Mani and the Cathars14. The Twin Dragons15. The Legend of the Holy Grail16. Saint Margaret17. The Rise and Fall of the Templars18. The Heart of Robert the Bruce19. The Rose Cross: A Fantasy of Rosslyn20. The Last of the TemplarsEpilogue
£11.69
New York Review Books The Lore And Language Of Schoolchildren New York
Book SynopsisFirst published in 1959, Iona and Peter Opie's The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren is a pathbreaking work of scholarship that is also a splendid and enduring work of literature. Going outside the nursery, with its assortment of parent-approved entertainments, to observe and investigate the day-to-day creative intelligence and activities of children, the Opies bring to life the rites and rhymes, jokes and jeers, laws, games, and secret spells of what has been called 'the greatest of savage tribes, and the only one which shows no signs of dying out.'
£17.85
Green Magic Publishing Isle of Avalon
Book Synopsis
£14.99
