English Fairy Tales and Legends

I have read a fair few books now which try to retell classic folktales. Many are bogged down by their faithfulness to source materials, or so devoted to literally translating original works that they become dry and joyless to read. Others indulge in so much creative inventiveness that they no longer resemble the original material at all. Rosalind Kerven finds an enchanting middle ground between the two, exploring the traditional stories we are familiar with, accompanied with a charming and engaging flavour of their own. Although there are some stories which you will have heard before, many are less known but enchantingly told none-the-less. In this beautiful hardback edition, each tale is supported by atmospheric illustrations as well as detailed notes on sources and history – these are also presented fascinatingly, with the author noting changes made as well as discrepancies between sources.

Kerven makes reading the stories of England's heritage a spellbinding, and highly enjoyable experience.