British Mythology

From the dark centuries of British prehistory to the ninth century AD, comes tales of giants and fairy-folk of druids and saints. From King Lear and King Arthur, to Fingal, Beowulf, Gwendolen, and Guinevere legendary characters have shaped the making of the nation. But who were they? In Mythology of the British Isles, Geoffrey Ashe explores how each of these stories are inter-connected, and how they have taken on fresh significance and meaning as historical and archaeological research has uncovered the truth behind each legend.

Soaked in mist and old magic, Storyland tells a history of Britain and the politics of its people through medieval eyes. Grounded in research, related as fiction, it begins before the Great Flood, with a troop of African giants quarrying stones. Later, the first migrants enter the Atlantic, calling themselves the Scoti and Britons, followed by the English and the Normans, crossing the North Sea.

When Samuel Pickwick decides to establish and preside over a travelling society, he unknowingly brings together three of the oddest men in all of London: Tracy Tupman, the loveless self-professed ladies’ man, Augustus Snodgrass, the poet who’s never put pen to paper, and Nathaniel Winkle, the endlessly clumsy sportsman. The ‘Pickwickians’ set off in search of new adventures outside of the confines of the city. Along with a host of other colourful Dickensian characters such as Mr Pickwick’s love-struck landlady, Mrs Bardell, and his trusty sidekick, Sam Weller.

Celtic mythology entrances many people as it has so many tales of heroism. It is steeped in history, mythology, wonder, adventure, and even romance. Some of the stories included are: Irish myths: "Children of Lir", "The Wooing Of Étain", "The Cattle Raid of Cooley", and "The Salmon of Knowledge"; Welsh myths: The four branches of Mabinogi and stories of Lyr’s descendants; Scottish myths: "Blue Men of Minch", "Sawney Bean", and "Myth of the Selkie"; Breton myths: "Sword of Arthur" and "Arthur’s Giant"; and many other amazing tales!

Have you ever wondered what lies in the history of Ireland's past? What they believed and the epic legends they created. In this guide, I introduce you to the four cycles of gods from Ireland's past and the mischief they got up to. I look at the legendary Cuchulainn, Morrigan, Dagda, and many more.

This fascinating audiobook is the first volume in a projected cultural history of the United States, from the earliest English settlements to our own time. It is a history of American folkways as they have changed through time, and it argues a thesis about the importance for the United States of having been British in its cultural origins. While most people in the United States today have no British ancestors, they have assimilated regional cultures which were created by British colonists, even while preserving ethnic identities at the same time.

An Illustrated Bestiary of the British Isles retells many myths of the wonderful creatures that were said to roam the countryside as night fell. In addition to various members of the Unseelie (Fairie) Court from the Cornish tin mines to the mountains and Lochs of the Scottish Highlands, the book also includes the origin tales of several creatures and elements that have been integrated into the world of Harry Potter such as The Black Dog, Hand of Glory, Basilisk, Cloak of invisibility, and others. Also there are our native versions of the vampire, werewolf, and Yeti.

Did you know that of all the sea monsters, it’s the Ogopogo that is best documented? This means you could be learning more about it in one go than you would with the Loch Ness monster. Remember that these monsters are myths, and proof of their existence is yet to be found. But wouldn’t it be fun to extend your knowledge beyond what you can see? 

This quintessential classic: the famous tale by Washington Irving of Ichabod Crane, schoolmaster of Sleepy Hollow and his chance encounter with the spectral fiend, the Headless Horseman!