Magic Spring

by Richard Lewis

'The Magic Spring' not only dispels some myths about English traditions, but tells the story of their creation, and examines why they persist and how they connect to the modern land.

Genres: Nonfiction, British Literature

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2005

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Beth Gilmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me sad when I realised this was published in 2005, nearly 20 years ago! As that means many of the people and traditions in the book are probably not around any more. Oh England and your ever changing face! Funny touching and inspiring book

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, personal pilgrimage around Britain's folk customs. A lot of morris, but an intriguing introduction.

[Erica Fairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A journey through England discovering our folk customs - music, the morris, pagans, more music and much else besides. A delightful book, very funny in places - dissecting and (in some cases) debunking the myths and legends of England. Meet sundry colourful characters, mostly wrapped around glasses of real ale or cider, wassail the apple trees in Somerset, don the horse costume and dance with the mnorris. If you are even remotely interested in our folkloric history, then join Richard Lewis on his journey to discover his (and our) roots. Packed with information and an easy read. Delightful.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, dry witted tour around England. No misty eyed nostalgia here just honest warm appraisal of remaining pockets of ancient English custom, tradition and pseudo tradition. Entertaining reminder of an often overlooked but still very much alive - in parts - aspect of Englishness. Bit too much Morris for my taste but good stuff nonetheless.

[Alex George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Lewis's dry delivery is the perfect vehicle for this hysterical tour around some of Britain's nuttier traditions. Pitch-perfect.