Myths & Legends of the Brecon Beacons

by Horatio Clare, Jane Matthews (Illustrations)

An exploration of 10 stories of myth and legend based in Wales' famous Brecon Beacons. Written by award-winning author Horiatio Clare, this book celebrates the extensive history and supernatural mystery that resides in these beautiful hills, and includes hand-drawn maps of the region.

112 pages, Hardcover

Published July 1, 2017

About the author

Horatio Clare (b. 1973) is a writer, radio producer and journalist. Born in London, he and his brother Alexander grew up on a hill farm in the Black Mountains of south Wales. Clare describes the experience in his first book Running for the Hills (John Murray 2006) in which he sets out to trace the course and causes of his parents divorce, and recalls the eccentric, romantic and often harsh conditions of his childhood. The book was widely and favourably reviewed in the UK, where it became a bestseller, as in the US.

Running for the Hills was nominated for the Guardian First Book Award and shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award. Horatio has written about Ethiopia, Namibia and Morocco, and now divides his time between South Wales, Lancashire and London. He was awarded a Somerset Maugham Award for the writing of A Single Swallow (Chatto and Windus, 2009).

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

As so often with books containing short stories, some stories are good, some stories are less entertaining. Over all I felt the stories lacked an actual story. Some contained a really promising start, and then they ended before anything happened.

And then there was a story which was probably inspired by Donald Trump and I didn't really know what to think of that. Imitating Trump often feels like a bit of a cheap way to try to be funny and in this little book it felt out of place I guess.

It was a nice little book to read on a train ride, but I was a bit let down by it. Not actually because of the writing, or because of the lack of story, but because it didn't feel Welsh. The little maps and drawings were a very nice addition though. I think some of the maps contained walking routes, which makes me want to go back to Wales and visit these places. Maybe then the stories will come to life, too. ;)

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Myths and legends from the Brecon Beacons are retold using modern day references and styles, which might not be everyone's cup of tea. Sometimes the content of actual legend is not very clear as it's just vaguely hinted within the short story. Maps of walks within the Brecon beacons national park that are associated with the stories are a great touch and Matthews' illustrations are fairly pleasant.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for myths, legends, retellings and alternate versions, so this book was right up my street. I liked the area-specific nature of the myths, I appreciated the modern twist on old stories, and I loved the illustrations. The old tales came to life, and archetypal characters emerged in contemporary guises. And there's now even more places I'd like to see in Wales.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, wildly varied folk tales, an excellent collection of retellings. Very fresh and eminently readable

[Caroline Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Funny! A wonderful mash-up of myths, legends and history - all brought up to date with a "modern day" re-telling. Complete with maps and a bit of illustrations. Wonderful, a "keeper".

[Rose Paris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little book with modern retellings of Brecon Beacons legends. There are maps with each story outlining the site where the tales take place. Particularly enjoyed the Trump meets William De Braose.

[Vyviane Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute yet well-written and beautifully illustrated myth book.