Somerset Folk Tales

by Sharon Jacksties

These Somerset tales, newly collected or retold with an eye and an ear to the land and waters that shaped them, reflect our growing interest in the natural landscape. Let these stories from the Summer Lands take you on a journey: across wind-wild moors that plummet to treacherous tides; on a scramble from gorge to cave, discovering ancient mines and dragons' haunts; to emerge into forest and field, and stroll beside ancient waterways where willows walk and orchards talk... Your travelling companions will meet you from legend, from history, from living memory - from the places where they were once known best. They will guide you through the wonders and curiosities that make Somerset such a special place. Their stories, strange or faintly familiar, will beckon you to explore this extraordinary landscape or to look on it again with new eyes.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2011

Reviews

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I'm honest, I was disappointed with this book.

I liked how the stories were categorised geographically - the added context and history of the land grounding the tales within it.

I guess I was just hoping for more magic and nature and myth. There is a heavy Christian focus here, and reference to animals and the land is harsh and utilitarian - hunting and farming and killing.

Some areas of the county (Glastonbury being one) were also perhaps over-represented, with just one mention of Weston-super-Mare ('rather like the not-yet-invented automata on Weston-super-Mare's pier'), and little to nothing of its surrounding area.

[Simon Kellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read this collection from front to back! It has been on my shelf for about five years and I have dipped in and out and read around its pages as the mood took me. Taken as a whole it is a fine journey around the secret and holy places of Somerset and an absolute must read for visitors to the county and residents alike...because you really need to know who lives at the bottom of the garden in Somerset! I lived in the county for many years before moving across the English Channel and have spent many a happy day on Glastonbury Tor, the Quantock Hills and wandering and wassailing Somerset cider orchards. This book brings the landscape to life. Highly recommended!!

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great tales. And I visited Littlecote & was told one of these stories on the tour. I couldn’t go near a certain fire place!

[Bridget Lambdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somerset folk tales

I love folk tales and I love the West Country and this book encapsulates both of them.
Very enjoyable and fun to read