Of all the books that Reader’s Digest UK printed before their final closure in 2024, Folklore Myths And Legends Of Britain is by far the most fondly remembered. A work that neatly bridges the gap between national history and individual paganism, with an appreciative eye towards local tall tales, the richly illustrated narrative makes for a delightful read. Indeed upon closer examination the contents feel less like a formal gazetteer and more like the collected edition of an obscure magazine, though instead of detracting from the overall experience this slightly twee nature actually serves it well.

The structure relies on three main sections, though there is some obvious overlap. The first of these, Lore of Britain, explores the general background hum of the historic weird across the nation. Of the subsections that fall within this first part, Gods, Ghosts and Witches is by far the most useful within a strictly Neopagan perspective, though the others also have something to offer the reader as chapters on seasons, festivals and the harvest are scattered throughout. The authors proudly play up the inherent mysticism that once held the rural landscape in its grip, and this gleeful excess stirs hints of folk horror into the mix as well.

The second main section, Romance of Britain, is the actual gazetteer. This is divided up into seventeen sometimes arbitrary regional groupings. Remember that the book saw print back in the 1970’s though, and as such the actual maps which are a focus of these entries may now be well out of date. The list format used to highlight the folkloric points of interest is very easy to cross reference with more modern sources, however, so it is not a big issue. The final section, People of Myth, rounds out the 550 or so pages with biopics of certain notable figures, such as King Arthur or Robin of Sherwood.

By far the biggest issue with the book these days is actually finding a copy. While my own was bought for next to nothing in a flea market many moons ago it would be highly unusual to see one for sale so cheaply now. Those that make it to the internet vary wildly in both cost and condition, so a little shopping around may be necessary. It is also worth noting that the contents does display a little geographic bias as well, perhaps limiting its usefulness. London, rich as it is with legendry, gets fifteen pages to itself for example, while entire counties relegated to those loose geographic groupings see far fewer.

Initially designed for an audience within the United Kingdom, the tall tales inside the heavy, usually scratched and dented card covers of Folklore Myths And Legends Of Britain may appeal to those outside of those sceptred isles as well. Such stories tend to be universal in their structure if not their location, and the seasonal customs which once held sway in England have a history of spreading wherever the population may eventually roam. Far from a necessary purchase for the average adept living elsewhere in the world, the book still excels at what it sets out to do and does it with limitless charm.

Title: Folklore Myths And Legends Of Britain
Author: Reader’s Digest
Genre: Mythology/Folklore
Tradition: Various
Difficulty: Starter/Intermediate
Published: 1977
ISBN: 9780340165973
Score: 8/10