Somerset Folk Tales

by Sharon Jacksties

These Somerset tales, newly collected or retold with a strong sense of the land and the waters that shaped them, reflect our enduring interest in the natural landscape. Let these stories from the Summer Lands take you on a across wind-wild moors that plummet to treacherous tides traversed by sea morgans; on a scramble from gorges shaped by the Devil's spite to caves dwelled in by bitter witches. Discover ancient mines and dragons' haunts, and emerge into forests and fields to be befriended by bees or bedevilled by fairies; then stroll beside ancient waterways, where willows walk and orchards talk. From Gwyn ap Neath to Joseph of Arimathea, your travelling companions will meet you from legend, history and living memory – from the places where they were once known best. Sharon Jacksties has a sharp eye for the landscape of Somerset and the seen and unseen stories that it holds, a sympathetic ear for the dialect of the South West, and a playful wit that brings this collection of tales to vivid and delightful life.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2011

Reviews

[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