Treasury of Folklore: Stars and Skies by Willow Winsham is a celestial collection of stories that sparkles in the hand as much as the mind.
Wonderfully illustrated by Joe McLaren, it’s a beautifully crafted object with a cover that glitters like the stars within.
Winsham seamlessly connects a diverse assortment of centuries-spanning tales from people who, whole separated by space and time, are ultimately all looking up at the same skies. In a friendly and engaging manner, she delves into the shared dreams and fears of a people who have long sought to unravel the mysteries of the heavens above, and when no explanation is forthcoming, turn to myth, legend and lore for answers.
Like a constellation that gradually becomes clearer and with each additional point, it covers everything from rainbows to ravens, griffins to groundhogs, and the flight of Icarus to the flight of the Mothman.
Serving as a fascinating overview for the casual readers, or a springboard for further investigation for the hardcore folklorist, this is a delightful book that lives up to its moniker as a treasury, and one that can be dipped into and enjoyed again and again.
Treasury of Folklore: Stars and Skies is published by Batsford and is available now.