Cover reveal and publication date for new book of Welsh folklore, myths and legends
I’m very pleased to announce that my new book, Illustrated Tales of Wales, has a cover and a release date.
The book was originally due to be published in August 2020 but, as well all now know, 2020 hasn’t quite gone the way anyone expected.
The release date was bumped back until the end of 2020, and then the start of the next year, but I can now confirm that – fingers crossed! – it will be hitting the shelves of all good bookshops on June 15, 2021.
To whet your appetite, here’s a sneak preview of the cover (which is subject to change between now and publication day):
What’s Illustrated Tales of Wales all about?
Illustrated Tales of Wales is a fast-paced, fully illustrated collection of classic Welsh fairy tales, folklore, myths and legend.
They vary from accounts of fire-breathing dragons to festive favourite the Mari Lwyd, but one thing they all have in common – and the main reason I wrote this book – is that they all take place in real places.
Yes, all of these fantastical tales are firmly rooted in Welsh locations that you can hop in your car visit today.
So as well as reading about the fire-breathing dragons, for example, you can also check out the full-colour photos accompanying the tale and then, if the urge takes you – and I hope it does! – visit the place in person.
“Illustrated Tales of Wales offers an engaging and different look at Wales, with this alternative tour through the country’s peculiar past.“
I also like to think of Illustrated Tales of Wales as something of a companion piece, or a sister book, to Paranormal Wales.
While Paranormal Wales explored the country’s “most haunted” places and this one tackles more fantastical accounts, I think they work best combined, especially if you’re planning a route around Wales and want to combine a visit to a spooky pub with the secret hiding place of y Tylwyth Teg.
Who knows what you might find!
What fairy tales, myths, legends and folklore are included?
I don’t want to give away ALL of the surprises quite yet, but to give you an idea here’s the blurb from the publisher:
A red and white dragon fighting tooth and claw in the moonlit sky; mischievous fairy folk luring unwary travellers deep into their underground lairs; a kind-hearted mermaid saving the lives of those in peril on the high seas; and a charmed boy who transforms into an otter and a bird to outrun a wicked witch.
In Illustrated Tales of Wales, author Mark Rees explores the fantastical myths, legends and folk stories of Wales which have long fired the imagination of young and old alike.
From the medieval tales of the Mabinogion to those rooted firmly in Arthurian mythology, they range from the quirky to the macabre and tell of heroic pets, strange superstitions, mischievous devils and restless spirits.
“The unforgettable Mari Lwyd, one of the world’s more unusual Christmastime traditions in which an eerie horseskulled visitor goes door-to-door in the dead of night.”
Illustrated Tales of Wales
Wales is home to mighty giants which live on the highest mountains and battle to the death with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
It has a patron saint of hares, who created a safe haven for humans and animals alike, and a patron saint of love, whose idyllic island became a place of pilgrimage.
It has a water horse which has been known to give those who mount it the ride of their lives, and the unforgettable Mari Lwyd, one of the world’s more unusual Christmastime traditions in which an eerie horseskulled visitor goes door-to-door in the dead of night.
Illustrated Tales of Wales offers an engaging and different look at Wales, with this alternative tour through the country’s peculiar past.
Where can I buy it/ pre-order Illustrated Tales of Wales?
Illustrated Tales of Wales by Mark Rees will be available from all good bookshops (always support your local bookshop when possible!) from June 2021, or you can order/ pre-order it online here.
Technical details:
• Title: Illustrated Tales of Wales
• Author: Mark Rees
• Format: Paperback
• Publisher : Amberley Publishing
• Publication date: June 15, 2021 (subject to change)
• ISBN-10: 144569722X
• ISBN-13: 978-1445697222