It is certainly interesting to know where stories like King Arthur or legends of witches came from and how they have changed both from place to place and over time. There are some well known stories and some which were new to me; like tales of Gogmagog and Shuck. There are also some very strange stories which are pretty consistent; apparently a few old houses have or had a human skull kept on plain view, which is said to keep the house from harm. Apparently the skull is always of someone who had a strong connection to the house who was wronged or never wanted to leave their home.
I did enjoy Country Lore and Legends, but it turned out to be more describing legends and how they have changed and warped over the years, than actually telling the stories. I would have enjoyed it much more if Simpson and Westwood told a version of the legend first, then described the alterations and different beliefs associated with it later. That said, this text comprises of extracts of Simpson and Westwood's The Lore of the Land, so perhaps it is meant to be a little taster, after which you can buy the more comprehensive version.
Now reading Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert.
