Folklore & Mythology

Looking out from the terrace of his house above the Gulf of Argos, John Spurling intertwines ancient and modern in a reimagining of Greek mythology. He tells stories of the god Apollo (who lends his name to the local football team) and the region’s great heroes Agamemnon, Herakles, Perseus and Theseus. With added context and dialogue, he locates the myths in their real-world settings and makes them fresh again for today’s readers.

Described by the author as a kind of spiritual ‘speed dating’, this book comprises brief introductions to the teachings of the greatest mystics and contemplatives in the Western Christian tradition. The thinkers, who range from Origen and Julian of Norwich to CS Lewis and Simone Weil, are presented as examples of nine ‘personality types’, which include Visionaries, Poets and Heretics.

When the French King Philip the Fair ordered the arrest of the Knights Templar and the confiscation of their property in 1307, the Order was one of the most powerful and wealthy forces in Europe, answerable only to the Pope. Focusing on the medieval city of Gisors in Normandy, Jean Markale tells the story of the hunt for the fabled wealth that disappeared with the Templars, and sheds new light on the activities of the mysterious Order.

What do a weak lion king, a grief-stricken rooster and a dim-witted bear have in common? They’ve all been fooled by crafty Reynard the Fox. Unscrupulous, cunning and cynical as Machiavelli, the hero – or antihero – of these popular medieval tales steals and swindles with impunity, cocking a snook at authority along the way. This lively modern translation of Caxton’s Middle English version captures all the dark humour, biting satire and irreverent verve of the original. Off-mint.

This illustrated companion to fairy folklore explores Asian and African spirits as well as the more familiar British and European sprites. Paintings by artists including Turner and Blake are supported by original fantasy art and among the enclosed memorabilia are a booklet of charms and potions and a 19th-century fold-out map of Fairyland. Felt-tip mark on lower trimmed edge.

Along the shores of the British Isles legends and traditions flourish: sailors' yarns and the songs of sirens, mythical beasts and mystical islands, drowned cities with tolling bells and ghost ships on Goodwin Sands. With erudition and engaging enthusiasm, the renowned folklorists Jennifer Westwood and Sophia Kingshill retell the stories heard along the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish coasts, and explore their imaginary geography, fantastic zoology and historical origins. This edition is exclusive to Postscript.

In addition to a dictionary of English Romany words, this book includes chapters on Gypsy names, fortune-telling, the London 'Gypsyries' in Wandsworth, Notting Hill and Friars' Mount, folk hero Ryley Bosvil and a collection of Gypsy songs. George Borrow (1803–1881) was a great traveller and translator, whose works included novels, travel writing and pioneering translations of Romany.

The world of Native American mythology is inhabited by such fantastical and capricious characters as the shape-shifting trickster Coyote and the mischievous Blue Jay. The seminal study of these sacred tales was written by the Scottish folklorist Lewis Spence in 1914; this updated edition has a new introductory essay, commentary on Native American culture and stories from tribes not covered by Spence, such as the Inuit.

Stories of humans transforming into wolves go back to the ancient Greek civilization, and were widely believed in the Middle Ages with werewolf trials taking place in central Europe from the 15th century. From the monsters of classical and Norse myths to the inventions of gothic writers and modern fantasy authors, this compendium profiles the origins and characteristics of a host of supernatural creatures including dragons, goblins, griffins, vampires and unicorns.

Daniel Mersey retells ten Arthurian legends, including ‘The First Quest of the Round Table’, ‘Gawain and the Green Knight’ and ‘Tristan and Isolde’. Illustrated with artwork and photographs, the book places the stories in the context of the greater Arthurian tradition, and explains their impact on modern storytelling.

This expanded edition of an acclaimed reference work has substantial entries for the greatest gods and heroes, from Achilles to Zeus, together with information on a host of minor figures, such as nymphs, seers and river-gods. References are given to the passages of Greek and Roman literature where their stories appear, as well as examples of the ancient myths’ influence on modern works. The book also features more than 170 illustrations, largely redrawn from Greek vases.

Covering the Inner Isles of the West Coast of Scotland from Arran to Rassay, this volume for piping enthusiasts includes piping lore, notes on the nature and meaning of the tunes, and biographies of renowned 20th century pipers such as Andrew Macneil of Colonsay and the great Mackays of Raasay. 16pp b&w plates

This volume for piping enthusiasts includes notes on the tunes prescribed for the Skye competitions, discussion of the island’s two chief schools, and anecdotes about a host of famous players from Skye including Simon Fraser MacCrimmon. 20pp b&w plates

Covering the Outer Isles of the West Coast of Scotland from Mingulay to Lewis, this volume for piping enthusiasts includes old Gaelic poems, notes on the nature and meaning of the tunes, and biographies of renowned 20th century pipers such as Wee Donald MacLeod and Peters Macleod. 20pp b&w plates

These tales of kelpies, selkies and witches, friendly giants and a baby monster are all based on Scottish legends and folklore, retold for children by Lari Don and illustrated by Cate James. At the end of the book there are 'notes from the author' on each of the ten stories. Age 5+

A snake prince from the Punjab, the Welsh sorceress Ceridwen, enchanted swans from Norway, and a Mexican buzzard are among the animal shape-shifters we meet in these 15 tales from around the world. Age 7+

Devoted to one of the oldest of all mythical animals, this book covers dragons from the Bible, from Ancient Greek and other European mythologies, and from Asia and America.

This Teach Yourself guide is the ideal introduction to Chinese myth, covering little-known symbolic stories as well as the familiar dragons and astrology that are well embedded in popular culture. The author begins by explaining the background to Chinese culture and mythology, then goes on to explore the myths, retelling them in modern English and teasing out their meanings and cultural significance.

The poems of Ossian, Highland bard of the 3rd century, inspired the Romantic movement when they were 'rediscovered' and translated by James Macpherson in 1760. This volume is an introduction both to the poetry and to the continuing controversy about it: was it a hoax, entirely the work of Macpherson's imagination, or does it form part of a great Gaelic oral tradition? The texts of Fragments of Ancient Poetry and Fingal are reprinted here, together with contemporary and modern opinions. No jacket.

The mythologies of Greece and Rome are full of strange and powerful tales of love and betrayal, war and heroism. These unforgettable stories, whose symbolism still pervades Western culture, are here retold by Jenny March, with translated and quoted passages showing how they were treated in ancient literature and how they have continued to inspire writers up to the present day. This hardback edition is exclusive to Postscript.

Starting at the 'central gathering ground' at Avebury, Cox's guide covers all the ancient roads of England, following the Stone Age ridge roads of southern England, describing, with the help of maps, plans and illustrations, the hill forts and other earthworks found along them and discussing other aspects of neolithic civilization. Facsimile edition.