The Watkins Book of English Folktales

Foreworded by Neil Gaiman, this comprehensive and enchanting compilation of English folktales, perfect for enthusiasts of Madeline Miller, Philip Pullman, and the Brothers Grimm, presents a golden treasury of over one hundred timeless stories. These tales are preserved in their original form as collected in past centuries, offering a glimpse into a time when storytelling was a vibrant and living art.

Immerse yourself in classic English folklore, where boggarts, hobgoblins, local witches, will-o’-the-wisps, ghosts, giants, cunning foxes, and royal frogs come to life. Rediscover beloved tales like "Jack the Giantkiller" and "Tom Tit Tot," alongside intriguing adaptations such as an English version of the Grimms’ "Little Snow White." The collection also includes bedtime chillers like "Captain Murderer," recounted to Charles Dickens by his childhood nurse.

Neil Philip provides a comprehensive introduction and source notes for each story, shedding light on their journey from oral tradition to the written page and the transformations they underwent along the way. These tales stand as timeless gems in English literature, renowned for their metaphorical richness, intricate plots, and captivating narrative flair.