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Green Men & White Swans

The Folklore of British Pub Names

Jacqueline Simpson

$22.99

Paperback

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English
Arrow Books Ltd
15 June 2011
An enchanting guide to the stories and legends behind Britain's traditional pub names

Why do British pubs have such curious names? What tales lie behind the Moonrakers, the Hooden Horse, the Derby Tup? And why does the Green Man come in different shapes and sizes?

In Green Men & White Swans, leading folklorist Jacqueline Simpson explores the fascinating stories behind pub names, uncovering the myths and legends, euphemisms and wordplays, heroes and even ghosts that have inspired pub landlords over the centuries. Spanning beloved locals from the Three Witches to the Three Nuns, from the Ashen Faggot to the Twa Corbies, this book is both an intriguing insight into the history of the British pub and a captivating journey through the country's dramatic past.
By:  
Imprint:   Arrow Books Ltd
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 198mm,  Width: 129mm,  Spine: 26mm
Weight:   341g
ISBN:   9780099520177
ISBN 10:   0099520176
Pages:   368
Publication Date:  
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  College/higher education ,  General/trade ,  Undergraduate ,  Primary
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Dr Jacqueline Simpson was born in 1930 and studied English Literature and Medieval Icelandic at Bedford College, University of London. She has been an active member of the Folklore Society since the 1960s, having served at various times as Editor, Secretary and President. She also belongs to the Viking Society for Northern Research. She is particularly interested in local legends, both English and Scandinavian. Her books include British Dragons (1980), Scandinavian Folktales (1988), A Dictionary of English Folklore (2000, with Steve Roud), The Lore of the Land (2005, with Jennifer Westwood) and The Folklore of the Discworld (2008, with Terry Pratchett). She is a member of the Ghosts and Scholars Society and the Dracula Society. She lives in Sussex.

Reviews for Green Men & White Swans: The Folklore of British Pub Names

If you've ever wondered how pubs got their often esoteric names then dipping into Green Men & White Swans should provide enlightenment * Choice * An engaging and inquisitive narrative voice ... As well as being an enjoyable account of local English folklore and history, the book provides an insight into the more esoteric behaviour that characterises English eccentricity * Sunday Telegraph * In this enjoyable compendium, Simpson, a folklore expert, elucidates hundreds of mysterious pub names * Financial Times * This book is both an intriguing insight into the history of the British pub and a captivating journey through the country's dramatic past * Living North *


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