Mythopoeika
I am a meat popsicle
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The bank account details.drop me a PM with the details?
New & Soon To Be Published Books
- Thread starter James_H
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Frideswide
Fortea Morgana :) PeteByrdie certificated Princess
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Frideswide
Fortea Morgana :) PeteByrdie certificated Princess
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- Jul 14, 2014
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- 16,462
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- An Eochair
Is this a medieval statue? I ask because, to me, it looks more victorian - even if it comes from somewhere that didn't have a victoria!
Can anyone ID it? I want to learn or feel smug, either would be good!
Sharon Hill
Complicated biological machine
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February 2024.
From the shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest to off-the-wall cryptozoological conventions, one man searches high and low for the answer to the question: real or not, why do we want to believe?
Bigfoot is an instantly recognizable figure. Through the decades, this elusive primate has been featured in movies and books, and on coffee mugs, beer koozies, car polish, and CBD oil. Which begs the question: what is it about Bigfoot that's caught hold of our imaginations?
Journalist and self-diagnosed skeptic John O'Connor is fascinated by Sasquatch. Curious to learn more, he embarks on a quest through the North American wilds in search of Bigfoot, its myth and meaning. Alongside an eccentric cast of characters, he explores the zany and secretive world of "cryptozoology," tracking Bigfoot through ancient folklore to Harry and the Hendersons, while examining the forces behind our ever-widening belief in the supernatural. As O'Connor treks through the shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest, listens to firsthand accounts, and attends Bigfoot conventions, he's left wondering—what happens when the lines between myth and reality blur?
Steven
Glorified cat flunky
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@Frideswide
I had a look at the book's Amazon sample, and this is what's printed amongst all the copyright details:
'Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Casa Amattler, Passeig de Gracia. Facade. St George and dragon'.
Last edited:
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And this is what a copy looks like in its new home...
And no, I did not pay the quoted price for it. It does look nice but... we shall see.
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It's now on sale with 20% off. Still means it's £160 though.
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Only 'newish', but may interest. Beautiful cover. Preview at link.
By considering the folklore of Cornwall in a Northern European context, this book casts light on a treasury of often-ignored traditions. Folklore studies internationally have long considered Celtic material, but scholars have tended to overlook Cornwall’s collections. The Folklore of Cornwall fills this gap, placing neglected stories on a par with those from other regions where Celtic languages have deep roots.
The Folklore of Cornwall demonstrates that Cornwall has a distinct body of oral tradition, even when examining legends and folktales that also appear elsewhere. The way in which Cornish droll tellers achieved this unique pattern is remarkable; with the publication of this book, it becomes possible for folklorists to look to the peninsula beyond the River Tamar for insight.
A very readable text with popular appeal, this book serves as an introduction to folklore studies for the novice while also offering an alternative means to consider Cornish studies for advanced scholars. The comparative analysis combined with an innovative method of The Folklore of Cornwall is not to be found in other treatments of the subject.
Piskies, mermaids, giants, and a revenant bridegroom: the stuff of legend. In the hands of skilled storytellers – the famed droll tellers of Cornwall – the result was magical. Considered in the context of narratives throughout Northern Europe, enchantment can be understood as well as enjoyed in this new way to look at Cornwall. 10b&w illus.
Publisher:
https://www.exeterpress.co.uk/products/the-folklore-of-cornwall
By considering the folklore of Cornwall in a Northern European context, this book casts light on a treasury of often-ignored traditions. Folklore studies internationally have long considered Celtic material, but scholars have tended to overlook Cornwall’s collections. The Folklore of Cornwall fills this gap, placing neglected stories on a par with those from other regions where Celtic languages have deep roots.
The Folklore of Cornwall demonstrates that Cornwall has a distinct body of oral tradition, even when examining legends and folktales that also appear elsewhere. The way in which Cornish droll tellers achieved this unique pattern is remarkable; with the publication of this book, it becomes possible for folklorists to look to the peninsula beyond the River Tamar for insight.
A very readable text with popular appeal, this book serves as an introduction to folklore studies for the novice while also offering an alternative means to consider Cornish studies for advanced scholars. The comparative analysis combined with an innovative method of The Folklore of Cornwall is not to be found in other treatments of the subject.
Piskies, mermaids, giants, and a revenant bridegroom: the stuff of legend. In the hands of skilled storytellers – the famed droll tellers of Cornwall – the result was magical. Considered in the context of narratives throughout Northern Europe, enchantment can be understood as well as enjoyed in this new way to look at Cornwall. 10b&w illus.
Publisher:
https://www.exeterpress.co.uk/products/the-folklore-of-cornwall
Tunn11
Justified & Ancient
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Suffragettes and Morris Dancing! Who knew? @Mikefule I expect!
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Mar...tes-Who-Saved-Morris-Dancing-Hardback/p/24567
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Mar...tes-Who-Saved-Morris-Dancing-Hardback/p/24567
Mikefule
Justified & Ancient
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I haven't read the book, and probably won't. I see the Morris as more of a modern traditional activity and less of an historical study.
That said, I am aware of Mary Neal. Last year I read my friend's (Dr Matt Simons) PhD thesis on the social history of the early years of the 20th century revival of the Morris. Mary Neal was a major figure, and featured strongly in the thesis.
What shocked me was how much of what we now think of as "traditional" was constructed (not reconstructed) in the early stages of the revival by people with strong religious and/or political agendas.
I had long known that what we do today is essentially a new tradition which grew out of material salvaged from a dying tradition. I hadn't realised how much had been changed or "force fitted" into the very specific world views of the people doing the revival.
There is an old saying along the lines of, "Show me what you find in your Bible and I will know you better."
Similarly, it is interesting to see how the people reviving and promoting the Morris each found exactly what they were looking for.
The high church Anglicans found ritual; the low church and "worthy" types found something they could co-opt as a tool to "improve and encourage" the working classes; and then there were those looking for something to rival, or tie in with, aspects of the old pagan religions. Some used it in an attempt to strengthen community bonds between Britain and Germany in a naive hope of preventing another war.
These days, those of us who dance, mainly just enjoy dancing with our friends and performing to rapturous acclaim. However, there are still a few who try to make it more than it needs to be, and who dictate who should be "allowed" to dance and in what style. Sadly, there are gatekeepers in every field of interest.
Steven
Glorified cat flunky
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'In 1519, the German scholar Heinrich Agrippa intervened to secure the release of a poor woman accused of witchcraft by a zealous inquisitor, who claimed that such women conceive children by demons. “Is this how theology is done nowadays, using nonsense of this sort to put innocent little women to the rack?” Agrippa demanded.
The incident is recounted in Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa, Anthony Grafton’s dense and fascinating study of the evolution of magic through the 15th and 16th centuries, and it illustrates some of the contradictions and divisions that made the understanding and pursuit of hidden knowledge so fraught at the time. Grafton, a professor of history and the humanities at Princeton University, shows that “magic” was a vast umbrella term encompassing everything from love philtres and homespun remedies involving the bones of toads, to proto-scientific disciplines such as cryptography, optics and engineering. When practised by women and unlettered people (not to mention those of other faiths), it usually led to accusations of witchcraft, but articulated and published by learned men, it resulted in books that became the international bestsellers of their day.'
Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa by Anthony Grafton review –
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2...y-anthony-grafton-review-their-dark-materials
The incident is recounted in Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa, Anthony Grafton’s dense and fascinating study of the evolution of magic through the 15th and 16th centuries, and it illustrates some of the contradictions and divisions that made the understanding and pursuit of hidden knowledge so fraught at the time. Grafton, a professor of history and the humanities at Princeton University, shows that “magic” was a vast umbrella term encompassing everything from love philtres and homespun remedies involving the bones of toads, to proto-scientific disciplines such as cryptography, optics and engineering. When practised by women and unlettered people (not to mention those of other faiths), it usually led to accusations of witchcraft, but articulated and published by learned men, it resulted in books that became the international bestsellers of their day.'
Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa by Anthony Grafton review –
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2...y-anthony-grafton-review-their-dark-materials
Sharon Hill
Complicated biological machine
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This did not get a good review. I trust Justin's comments here. https://aiptcomics.com/2024/02/24/bigfoot-to-mothman-cryptid-encyclopedia/
I don't know why we needed another (inferior) cryptid encyclopedia particularly by someone who (apparently) isn't an expert. What is needed is a deeper dive into topics like Mothman and some of the cryptids mentioned because not many of those exist.
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- Joined
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I missed this from late last year:
This book lists more than 200 locations, with many more recorded encounters, on 69 canals and rivers in the UK. This is the definitive, comprehensive guide to paranormal occurrences on every navigable waterway in mainland Britain – all carefully researched, indexed and credited. This book even offers possible explanations (occult, scientific and humorous) for all the listed phenomena. No canal or river cruise is complete without a copy!
Nick Ford is an amateur historian with a lifelong interest in the supernatural, folklore and the timeless romance of waterways. This is his fourth book but his first labour of love – having written the first three for the money. He lives in Shropshire within easy reach of the River Severn, Shropshire Union, Llangollen, and Montgomery canals.
Jeremy Ford is a professional artist and illustrator who works on a wide variety of publications and painting commissions. Based in West Yorkshire, he also teaches painting, has written books on learning to paint watercolour, pastel and gouache, and has contributed to numerous other art books.
Source:
https://spiral-books.com/product/canal-ghosts-and-water-wights-the-spirits-of-britains-waterways/
| Author | Nick Ford |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Jeremy Ford |
| Pages | 238 |
| Dimensions | 148mm X 210mm |
| Publisher | Country Books |
This book lists more than 200 locations, with many more recorded encounters, on 69 canals and rivers in the UK. This is the definitive, comprehensive guide to paranormal occurrences on every navigable waterway in mainland Britain – all carefully researched, indexed and credited. This book even offers possible explanations (occult, scientific and humorous) for all the listed phenomena. No canal or river cruise is complete without a copy!
Nick Ford is an amateur historian with a lifelong interest in the supernatural, folklore and the timeless romance of waterways. This is his fourth book but his first labour of love – having written the first three for the money. He lives in Shropshire within easy reach of the River Severn, Shropshire Union, Llangollen, and Montgomery canals.
Jeremy Ford is a professional artist and illustrator who works on a wide variety of publications and painting commissions. Based in West Yorkshire, he also teaches painting, has written books on learning to paint watercolour, pastel and gouache, and has contributed to numerous other art books.
Source:
https://spiral-books.com/product/canal-ghosts-and-water-wights-the-spirits-of-britains-waterways/
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As an addendum to the above, the author reads extracts from his book here:
https://spiral-books.com/author-page/nick-ford/
I've just ordered a copy; will comment when it reaches me.
https://spiral-books.com/author-page/nick-ford/
I've just ordered a copy; will comment when it reaches me.
Floyd
Antediluvian
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I've never really considered canal ghosts before for some reason.
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Three things that come to mind that spark my interest:
a) I've read about loss of life in canal tunnels and lock accidents, and traumatic death is often said to generate ghosts.
b) Waterways generated their own independent cultures with habits, lexicon and superstitions unknown to those without. All close-knit communities that form 'little worlds within worlds' seem to feature distinct rituals related to the living and the dead.
c) I see the canals as a forerunners to railways, and for me there are few settings as ghost-friendly as railways.
d) There's a memorable Inspector Morse novel that features a historical canal mystery and it sticks in my mind:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wench_Is_Dead
Floyd
Antediluvian
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Yes, definitely all valid reasons.
Old tracks, lanes, roads and railways have always held a great interest with me (ghost-wise especially) but even though I have a canal on my doorstep and walk along it most weeks at some point, I had only ever considered/hoped for a time-slip. Until now.
catseye
Old lady trouser-smell with yesterday's knickers
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I used to know a woman who was from a family of bargees. She was writing her family story - there were some fascinating tales, most of them unparanormal though.
Floyd
Antediluvian
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A woman who lives here has written a couple of books about her Grandmother's life on the canal;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keeper-Red-Shawl-Marie-Sarginson/dp/152891953X
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DrPaulLee
Justified & Ancient
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Professor Chris French's new book "The Science of Weird Shit" is released in a few days time. I'm a little surprised the vulgar title was agreed upon! I've put links to the UK and US Amazon stores below:
UK:
https://amzn.to/3TCMqoc
US:
https://amzn.to/43rFYnp
UK:
https://amzn.to/3TCMqoc
US:
https://amzn.to/43rFYnp
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The publisher also made no effort with the cover.
I am not exaggerating when I say this is the sort of quality you can achieve on your lunch break.
Tunn11
Justified & Ancient
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I wonder what brief was given to the cover artist? If it was just the title, God knows what they could have come up with. "Mr Hankey, the Christmas poo." springs to mind.
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- Publisher : Allen & Unwin; Main edition (2 May 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1838959793
- ISBN-13 : 978-1838959791
- Dimensions : 16 x 3 x 24.2 cm
On 6 June, 1924 George Mallory donned an oxygen set and set off for the summit of Everest with his young partner Andrew Irvine. Two days later they were glimpsed through clouds heading upwards, but after that they were never seen again. Whether they died on the way up or on the way down no one knows.
In the years following his disappearance, Mallory was elevated into an all-British hero. Dubbed by his friends the 'Galahad' of Everest, he was lionised in the press as the greatest mountaineer of his generation who had died while taking on the ultimate challenge. Handsome, charismatic, daring, he was a skilled public speaker, an athletic and technically gifted climber, a committed Socialist and a supremely attractive figure to both men and women.
His friends ranged from the gay artists and writers of the Bloomsbury group to the best mountaineers of his era. But that was only one side to him. Mallory was also a risk taker who according to his friend and biographer David Pye, could never get behind the wheel of a car without overtaking the vehicle in front, a climber who pushed himself and those around him to the limits, a chaotic technophobe who was forever losing equipment or mishandling it, the man who led his porters to their deaths in 1922 and his young partner to his uncertain end in 1924.
So who was the real Mallory and what were the forces that made him and ultimately destroyed him? Why did the man who denounced oxygen sets as 'damnable heresy' in 1922 perish on an oxygen-powered summit attempt two years later? And above all, what made him go back to Everest for the third time?
Based on diaries, letters, memoirs and thousands of contemporary documents, Fallen is both a forensic account of Mallory's last expedition to Everest in 1924 and an attempt to get under his skin and separate the man from the myth.
About the Author
Mick Conefrey is an award-winning writer and documentary maker. He made the landmark BBC series Mountain Men and Icemen and The Race for Everest to mark the 60th anniversary of the first ascent. His previous books include Everest 1922, Everest 1953, the winner of a LeggiMontagna award, The Last Great Mountain, the winner of the Premio Itas in 2023, and The Ghosts of K2, which won a US National Outdoor Book award in 2017.Source:
Amazon Preorder
catseye
Old lady trouser-smell with yesterday's knickers
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That entire description of Mallory just made me think ADHD.
Tunn11
Justified & Ancient
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The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland (Paperback)
By Angela Youngman
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 192 Illustrations: 20 black and white illustrations
ISBN: 9781526797155
Published: 14th March 2024
"Although the children's story Alice in Wonderland has been in print for over 150 years, the mysteries and rumours surrounding the story and its creator Lewis Carroll have continued to grow.The Dark Side of Alice in Wonderland is the first time anyone has investigated the vast range of darker, more threatening aspects of this famous story and the way Alice has been transformed over the years.
This is the Alice of horror films, Halloween, murder and mystery, spectral ghosts, political satire, mental illnesses, weird feasts, Lolita, Tarot, pornography and steampunk. The Beatles based famous songs such as 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' and 'I am the Walrus' on Alice in Wonderland, while she has even attracted the attention of world famous artists including Salvador Dali. Take a look at why the Japanese version of Lolita is so different to that of novelist Vladimir Nabokov - yet both are based on Alice. This is Alice in Wonderland as you have never seen her before: a dark, sometimes menacing, and threatening character.
Was Carroll all that he seemed? The stories of his child friends, nude photographs and sketches affect the way modern audiences look at the writer. Was he just a lonely academic, closet paedophile, brilliant puzzle maker or even Jack the Ripper?
For a book that began life as a simple children’s story, it has resulted in a vast array of dark concepts, ideas and mysteries. So step inside the world of Alice in Wonderland and discover a dark side you never knew existed!"
Well, Carroll/Dodgson was an odd character but this looks to be a fresh look not only of him but at the character of Alice as well.
Sharon Hill
Complicated biological machine
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That's weird. I've always seen Alice as dark. Never as a happy tale.