Red Spider

by Sabine Baring-Gould

First published in 1887 and regarded by the author as his finest work, Red Spider draws on Sabine Baring-Gould's fascination with rural life, folklore, and mythology.

According to popular superstition, the red spider has the power to spin money in the pocket of the person who secures its services. When Hillary Nanspian squashes such a spider, there are immense consequences for his relationship with his late wife’s brother, Taverner Langford, and for the very life of their rural part of Devonshire: thus it was that the friendship of twenty-two years was broken, and the brothers-in-law became declared and deadly enemies.

For “Red Spider” is also the affectionate nickname of Honor Luxmore, the heroine of the novel who earned her title through frugality and the red cloak she wears. An admirable young woman, she cares for her widower father, a humble carrier who barely earns enough to support the large family, and looks after her younger siblings. It is she who is in love with Hillary Nanspian’s son—and it is she who Taverner Langford determines to marry.

Through his masterly study of human relationships, with vividly painted characters and an intricate plot, Baring-Gould draws the reader into a fantastical world of country lore which has long since passed from view.

Genres: Fiction

319 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1887

About the author

Sabine Baring-Gould was born in the parish of St Sidwell, Exeter. The eldest son of Edward Baring-Gould and his first wife, Sophia Charlotte (née Bond), he was named after a great-uncle, the Arctic explorer Sir Edward Sabine. Because the family spent much of his childhood travelling round Europe, most of his education was by private tutors. He only spent about two years in formal schooling, first at King's College School in London (then located in Somerset House) and then, for a few months, at Warwick Grammar School (now Warwick School). Here his time was ended by a bronchial disease of the kind that was to plague him throughout his long life. His father considered his ill-health as a good reason for another European tour.

In 1852 he was admitted to Cambridge University, earning the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in 1857, then Master of Arts in 1860 from Clare College, Cambridge. During 1864, he became the curate at Horbury Bridge, West Riding of Yorkshire. It was while acting as a curate that he met Grace Taylor, the daughter of a mill hand, then aged fourteen. In the next few years they fell in love. His vicar, John Sharp, arranged for Grace to live for two years with relatives in York to learn middle class manners. Baring-Gould, meanwhile, relocated to become perpetual curate at Dalton, near Thirsk. He and Grace were married in 1868 at Wakefield. Their marriage lasted until her death 48 years later, and the couple had 15 children, all but one of whom lived to adulthood. When he buried his wife in 1916 he had carved on her tombstone the Latin motto Dimidium Animae Meae ("Half my Soul").

Baring-Gould became the rector of East Mersea in Essex in 1871 and spent ten years there. In 1872 his father died and he inherited the 3,000 acre (12 km²) family estates of Lew Trenchard in Devon, which included the gift of the living of Lew Trenchard parish. When the living became vacant in 1881, he was able to appoint himself to it, becoming parson as well as squire. He did a great deal of work restoring St Peter's Church, Lew Trenchard, and (from 1883 – 1914) thoroughly remodelled his home, Lew Trenchard Manor.

Reviews

[Hazel Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this for a variety of reasons. First of all it's beautifully written; the language, the descriptions of the setting and the references to old folklore and superstition which was prevalent at the time and it's use in the story. Then there are the characters in the book who are so well described by the writer, some to irritated by and others just adored, particularly the main protagonist who is a strong minded and intelligent woman with a determined sense of responsibility and high morals who has a particularly hard time. I also liked larry, who matures gradually throughout the book to become such a great character.
Ultimately this is a very happy read, reminding me of Thomas Hardy's Tess or Return of the Native, but easier going and warmer. I'm surprised there aren't any reviews for this book as yet. I suppose it just isn't well known. Hopefully this review will help bring the book recognition and favour.
I recommend this book to fans of the genre, particularly Thomas Hardy fans who fancy something leaving them smiling.

[Timbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabine Baring-Gould was one of the most popular novelists of his day, but virtually unknown today. Red Spider is chock full of Devonshire folklore: disembodied walking hands, magic red spiders that weave money, evil eyes. Part lecture on rural English folkways and part romantic fantasy, it falls prey to many of the sexist and parochial tropes of the Victorian era, but Baring-Gould's prose is so sparkling and rich that one almost forgets.

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful lost treasure from 1887. This light romance features a strong female character, Honor, who promised her mother on her deathbed she would take care of her younger siblings and come hell or high water, no matter what her father, brother, lover or uncle think, she is going to do exactly that. She runs a tight ship and is frugal: nicknamed Red Spider. Lots of Devon folklore here--money spinner Red Spider, Hand of Glory (think Addams Family's Thing), stag hunt and hare hunt (to censor gender nonconformity), a witch, murderer's grave, and lots of sayings. The author's folklore research is quite apparent here.