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review 2016-08-22 16:48
The Mystery of Spring-Heeled Jack: From Victorian Legend to Steampunk Hero - John Matthews
Disclaimer: ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Spring –Heeled Jack is enjoying something of resurgence, in part thanks to the rise of Steampunk. And if anyone was made for Steampunk, it is Spring-Heeled Jack. If you don’t know, Jack was one of those mysteries that were never solved, but does get over-shadowed by Jack the Ripper. Jack made his first appearance in 1837; he had fire and could jump very high. He was busy in London, but eventually branched out.

John Matthews traces the history of Spring-Heeled Jack in this book. He doesn’t attempt really to solve the mystery, more to enlighten the reader about the origins of the story as well as its use in current fiction.

In discussing the origins of Jack, Matthews quotes at great length from firsthand accounts and newspaper reports. He also makes links to other famous stalkers, such as the London Monster and Jack the Ripper. The use of the firsthand accounts allows the reader to form an opinion or an idea before Matthews presents more information.

Matthews links the folk character to Robin Hood and the Green Man. While I am not sure I entirely agree, it does give one food for thought and a compelling argument is presented. There is also a connection to the Punch and Judy shows which is even stronger.

The weakest part of the book was the part dealing with the modern Steampunk era. Too much of this section is devoted to a very an overly detailed summery of a radio program that sounds interesting, but why should I listen to it know when I know what is going to happen. I also found it strange that Heart of Iron by Ekaterina Sedia was not mentioned.

Still, a very in depth look at a legend, and a much needed look at that.
 
 

 

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review 2015-09-16 16:07
The Land of the Green Man: A Journey Through the Supernatural Landscapes of the British Isles - Carolyne Larrington

Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.

               

                There is one thing wrong with this book.  Let’s get it out of the way first.  How can you write a book that deals with English Folklore, that mentions the influence on modern writers, and yet not mention, even in passing, Terry Pratchett?  It’s true that there is already a book about Discworld and folklore, but still.  It’s like this huge turtle hanging over the book.

 

                That aside, this book is pretty good.  Larrington details various folklore and legends of the countryside.  The book is more than just the Green Man, but also fairies, selkies, and ghostly dogs.  Larrington’s retelling of the various tales is solid, and she includes varieties.  What is particularly interesting is her analysis of various tales.

 

                She is able to connect selkie tales to marriage stories and how a woman might view marriage.  In fact, if you have read Gould’s Spinning Straw Into Gold, Larrington’s book makes an good companion read.  Larrington’s anaylsis adds another level to the idea of the Beauty and the Beast as tale preparing women for marriage.  Additionally, her reading of the Finn saga, and in particular Sadb, is actually pretty mind blowing.  It made me want to re-read the stories with her analysis in mind. 

 

                Larrington also connects the stories to modern work.  If you are fan of Neil Gaiman, this book is worth reading for her gets several pages.  Less popular authors and works get credit too, and there is a good chance that you will want to track down a newspaper article or two.

 

                All in all, this is a good book about folklore connected to the landscape.

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