Land of Mist and Magic: The Myths and Legends that shaped Britain

by Philip Parker

Land of Mist and Magic collects and retells stories of Britain, from the founding myths and patron saints to ghosts, fairy changelings, giants and demon dogs. It is a journey through Celtic Scotland, the kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy and medieval Wales. These tales have bound together nations, blurred Pagan and Christian traditions, lent their names to landscapes, and given guidance and comfort to generations.

In these pages, hero and beast, celebrated and forgotten, stand shoulder to shoulder: mermaids swim with the poetry-loving blue men of Minch; Robin Hood hides out with the less-altruistic outlaw Twm Siôn Cati; Arthur pulls the sword from the stone while Havelok the Dane’s royal birth is revealed by an unearthly light that shines directly from his sleeping mouth. Gathered from episodes in grand, quasi-historical medieval epics and the anecdotal folklore of local regions, Philip Parker beautifully retells these larger-than-life tales with humanity and insight.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Emily Booth]

I loved this book. The perfect winter read, full of history, mythology and beautiful illustrations. Wonderful bit of escapism.

[Nathan Trout]

I’ve read a few books on UK mythology and folklore and this is probably the best. It covers a huge range and does a really good job of placing things well in the historic context. The writing in the stories and excerpts themselves is also really good. Definitely worth reading if you’re interested in the subject.

[Billie Holland]

A beautiful book, with wonderful historic context. Noticed a few editing errors though which is disappointing for a book from the British Library