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Folklore, Fairies and Fearsome Creatures

4 min read

Folklore, Fairies and Fearsome Creatures at Country House Library

Fairies have danced across the pages of many famous tales. From Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm to more modern texts, fairies play a large part in literary history. Kind and beautiful or cheeky and cruel, all kinds of fairy folk come out to play!

Fairies are not the only beings to frequent the pages of such tales. Fearsome creatures also roam: monsters and demons, witches and wizards, spirits and ghosts. The books on this list are full of such creatures, all ready to pull you into their enchanting worlds.




  1. The Spooks Mistake by Joseph Delaney, 2008

    The Spooks Mistake by Joseph Delaney, 2008

    This book is the fifth instalment in Delaney’s 'The Wardstone Chronicles'. The story tells of Thomas Ward who has for two years worked as the Spook’s apprentice. He has faced many dangers but now something else threatens the country: an ancient and destructive water witch named Bloodeye. The story is certainly thrilling and Delaney skilfully conjures up a creepy atmosphere. He introduces several fearsome creatures (including ghosts!) and his plot is filled with twists and turns. Adventurous and intriguing, this is a book not to be missed!

    Shop for vintage Ghost Stories at Country House Library →


  2. The Irish Fairy Book by Alfred Perceval Graves, 1925

    The Irish Fairy Book by Alfred Perceval Graves, 1925

    This enchanting fairy book contains a collection of thirty-three Irish folktales written by different authors. Amongst them, famous writers such as Joseph Campbell, Douglas Hyde, and William Butler Yeats with his mysterious poem, ‘The Stolen Child’. Fairies, demons and wailing banshees are just three of the many mysterious and mythical creatures that fill the pages of this book. With literary retellings and oral transcriptions, these Irish fairy tales are brought to life on the page and pull readers into an enchanting faery world.

    Shop for vintage Irish books at Country House Library →


  3. The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, Folio Society

    The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, Folio Society

    Most people have heard of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood but fewer readers know the stories of Tom Thumb, Rumpelstiltskin and Briar Rose . This book shares sixty magical stories written by the Brothers Grimm, from well-loved tales to lesser known stories such as ‘The Frog King’ and ‘The Golden Key’. Opening with a discussion of fairy and folk tales, the book soon launches the reader into a world of intrigue and enchantment. Though many of the stories have a dark atmosphere, they are utterly enchanting and, accompanied by wonderful illustrations, spring to life on the page.

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  4. Tales of Horror and the Supernatural by Arthur Machen, 1963

    Tales of Horror and the Supernaturalby Arthur Machen, 1963

    This collection of terrifying stories is perfect for Halloween. Arthur Machen is a master of ghostly tales and his writing is perfect for fans of the macabre. Throughout his literary career, Machen was intrigued by the possibility of a hidden and mysterious world beyond our own. Mystery and spirituality shine through in his nightmarish stories which draw inspiration from nature folklore, religion and the occult. If you choose to read this book you will be left shuddering as Machen transports you into a realm of darkness. He is a storyteller of impressive imaginative power and undeniable originality.

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  5. Britain’s Haunted Heritage by Keith B. Poole, 1988

    Britain’s Haunted Heritage by Keith B. Poole, 1988

    Though historical in part, this book combines a collection of ghostly tales gathered from places across Britain. From East Anglia and The North to The Home Counties and The South, these stories tell of Britain’s ghosts. Not all of these spirits are fearsome – some are even kind and sympathetic! In this book, readers will be taken on an incredible journey across Britain, learning about the ghosts and spirits that thread their way through our country’s history. Keith Poole writes with an engaging style, uncovering a chilling collection of ghostly events. It is the perfect read for anyone interested in Britain’s haunting history.

    browse vintage penguin books on britain at Country House Library →


  6. Dictionary of the Supernatural by Peter Underwood, 1982

    Dictionary of the Supernatural by Peter Underwood, 1982

    For a more factual approach to folklore and fearsome creatures, this is an excellent A-Z guide. Sharing details about hauntings, witchcraft and occult phenomena, it is a fascinating and informative read. The entries cover all manner of organisations, individuals and periodicals, from the well known to those readers will be less familiar with. Alongside each his detailed entries, the author includes notes and references to further reading. This dictionary is an essential reference tool for all those who wish to learn more about the supernatural and paranormal worlds!

    Shop for vintage Weird & Supernatural books at Country House Library →


  7. The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction, 1968

    The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction, 1968

    Thirteen chilling tales and humorous stories bound together in one volume. Containing genres such as fantasy, science fiction, witchcraft and humour, the curious reader can enjoy an eclectic mix of tales. Zombies and unicorns, spaceships and fairies and all manner of other creatures fill the pages as readers are transported from our realm into many other mysterious and enchanting places. Whether you’re looking for something magical, futuristic, humorous or horrifying, this wonderful book will certainly keep you entertained.

    Shop for vintage Science Fiction at Country House Library →


  8. The Enchanted World: Witches and Wizards, 1984

    The Enchanted World: Witches and Wizards, 1984

    Complete with beautiful illustrations, Witches and Wizards contains descriptions and tales of various witches and wizards of legend. Belonging to 'The Enchanted World' series, it is one of twenty-one wonderful books which each focus on different aspects of mythology, folklore and fairy tales. This particular volume introduces readers to a whole range of fascinating and fearsome creatures, from shape-shifting demons and frightening spirits to wicked witches to scholarly wizards. It is an exploration of European legend, myths, folklore, literature, and history, bursting with engaging details and stunning illustrations.

    Shop for vintage Witches & Wizards at Country House Library →




OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE UNSEEN AT COUNTRY HOUSE LIBRARY

Filled with folklore, fairies and fearsome creatures, the books and stories on this list are perfect for this time of year. There is something truly enchanting about such stories, a belief perhaps in a mysterious world beyond our own. So, make your selection from the list above and allow yourself to be transported to mad, magical and mysterious literary worlds.


BROWSE MORE FAIRY TALES AT COUNTRY HOUSE LIBRARY →


 


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