TITLE: Cloven Country: The Devil and the English Landscape
AUTHOR: Jeremy Harte
PUBLISHER: Reaktion Books
ISBN: 9781789146509
PODCAST EPISODE: None
REVIEWER: Mark Norman
When Professor Ronald Hutton describes a book as "immaculately researched", breaking "new ground in folklore studies" and that it is his "favourite book of the year so far" then you know that it is something that you won't want to miss. And that succinctly sums up Cloven Country, the new title from arguably one of England's foremost folklorists.
It has been a while since we were treated to a new full-length work from Jeremy Harte. Aside from numerous journal and magazine articles and locally published work in the Epsom area, where Harte lives and works as the curator of Bourne Hall Museum, the 2008 English Holy Wells was the last title, following on from his award-winning Explore Fairy Traditions.
The latter won the Katharine Briggs award from the Folklore Society and, to be honest, there is only one thing that will prevent Cloven Country from doing the same thing. That is nothing to do with its excellent content, but purely a matter of regulations. As he is now a member of the Folklore Society Council, Harte is not eligible to receive the prize. But in my head at least, this title takes it.
Cloven Country is an extensive and well-rounded exploration of the image of the Devil as reflected in the English landscape and folklore record, penned in Harte's inimitable clever and witty style. Although rigorously academic, you always feel like you have sat down for a pint with Jeremy, probably in a pub named after one of the Devil's exploits, whilst being regaled with tales. The books nine chapters cover all aspects of the Devil's appearances across England and the roles that he has played in carving the landscape and leaving his mark behind. Whilst telling the stories (and their many variants) the author reminds us of the care we have to take in making leaps of faith that all of these events have single 'pagan' origins. Stories of the Devil often grew from older ones of giants, their deeds being re-ascribed as the teachings of the time dictated. Caution is further issued when examining place names. Whether it is Arses or Elbows, Bends or Bridges, did these places really have anything to do with stories of the Devil at all.
Pull a chair up to the fire, get yourself a drink and a copy of Cloven Country and find out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
AUTHOR: Jeremy Harte
PUBLISHER: Reaktion Books
ISBN: 9781789146509
PODCAST EPISODE: None
REVIEWER: Mark Norman
When Professor Ronald Hutton describes a book as "immaculately researched", breaking "new ground in folklore studies" and that it is his "favourite book of the year so far" then you know that it is something that you won't want to miss. And that succinctly sums up Cloven Country, the new title from arguably one of England's foremost folklorists.
It has been a while since we were treated to a new full-length work from Jeremy Harte. Aside from numerous journal and magazine articles and locally published work in the Epsom area, where Harte lives and works as the curator of Bourne Hall Museum, the 2008 English Holy Wells was the last title, following on from his award-winning Explore Fairy Traditions.
The latter won the Katharine Briggs award from the Folklore Society and, to be honest, there is only one thing that will prevent Cloven Country from doing the same thing. That is nothing to do with its excellent content, but purely a matter of regulations. As he is now a member of the Folklore Society Council, Harte is not eligible to receive the prize. But in my head at least, this title takes it.
Cloven Country is an extensive and well-rounded exploration of the image of the Devil as reflected in the English landscape and folklore record, penned in Harte's inimitable clever and witty style. Although rigorously academic, you always feel like you have sat down for a pint with Jeremy, probably in a pub named after one of the Devil's exploits, whilst being regaled with tales. The books nine chapters cover all aspects of the Devil's appearances across England and the roles that he has played in carving the landscape and leaving his mark behind. Whilst telling the stories (and their many variants) the author reminds us of the care we have to take in making leaps of faith that all of these events have single 'pagan' origins. Stories of the Devil often grew from older ones of giants, their deeds being re-ascribed as the teachings of the time dictated. Caution is further issued when examining place names. Whether it is Arses or Elbows, Bends or Bridges, did these places really have anything to do with stories of the Devil at all.
Pull a chair up to the fire, get yourself a drink and a copy of Cloven Country and find out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.