The Peak District is noted for its beautiful and varied scenery, its
fascinating history, and its abundance of folktales. The sixty-two
pieces in this collection include both wonder tales (fairy tales) and
local legends, together with a few genuinely historical stories that
have caught the popular imagination. Some of the tales are tragic, some
are comic; some are very short, some are longer; many (even the
historical ones) have ghost-story elements, which readily attach
themselves to real-life stories. What they all have in common is that
they reflect aspects of Peak District life, character, scenery and
history. All the stories in this collection are written with recitation
in mind, because folktales are for telling aloud. Notes at the end of
the collection explain the sources and significance of each tale. Sketch
maps are included to indicate the locations in which the tales are set,
so interested readers can visit the scenes, most of which are
illustrated by the author's photographs. Many of these locations are
easily accessible by road, but some involve significant walks through
the countryside that gave birth to the stories. Folktales of the Peak
District will charm its readers and enhance their appreciation of this
lovely part of England.
