Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

For the first time, these enchanting folk tales, the origins of which lie in the oral tradition, have been gathered together in book form. The charming selection of thirty fairy tales and legends are full of Herefordian wit and wisdom, and are perfect for reading aloud or alone. Although on the surface they may appear quaint, these stories tell of strange happenings in the peaceful Herefordshire countryside, formed from early attempts to explain the natural and spiritual world. From the Saxon king of East Anglia who became the patron saint of Hereford Cathedral, and the story of the black hound of Baskerville Hall which inspired Arthur Conan Doyle, to a medieval love story, these gripping tales have stood the test of time, and remain classic texts which will be enjoyed time and again by modern readers.

Herefordshire is still a largely rural and agricultural county, centred on the cathedral city of Hereford, but it has had infamous and bloody events in its past, including shocking murders and appalling crimes. From the only British solicitor to be hanged for murder to the still mysterious death of an architect who had a fanatical belief that his home had been the site of King Arthur’ castle, the county is the repository of some dark and fascinating stories. Victims and perpetrators range from royalty to farm labourers, from the effects of drink to domestic abuse, slavery and social unrest to greed and jealousy. Tales in this book range through the centuries from the Anglo Saxon St Ethelbert and include an unburied corpse that caused a riot; William Spiggot, the Herefordshire highwayman; Herefordshire witches; Silver John, a respected healer whose hoard of silver lead to his death; the Hay poisoner – was he really guilty?; Burghill Court, when the butler really did do it; the tragedy of Edie Nicholls, killed while feeding the hens; the Leintwardine GP killed by a grieving husband; Cyril Barnes, when friendship turned to murder: Simon Dale and the riddle of King Arthur; who killed beloved sweet shop owner Granny Hill?; the Herefordshire hoard, when metal detectorists went bad, and much more. This collection of true-life crime stories gives a vivid insight into life in Herefordshire through the centuries. This book will fascinate anyone with an interest in the history of crime as well as those who want to know more about the history of this area.

Herefordshire has had the mixed blessing of being a border county, predominately rural and far away from any metropolis. Lying between England and Wales, its past has been bloody, with raids and an unstable boundary. Borders are always porous and much Welsh influence can be found, especially in the west of the county. The county did not play a major part in the Industrial Revolution, which meant it became something of a backwater. Its unspoilt countryside provided a pleasant place to visit, but not such an easy place to make a living. Herefordshire can make the claim of being the birthplace of tourism as rich travellers, thwarted by the Napoleonic War from making the Grand Tour of Europe, found journeys down the beautiful River Wye some compensation. Now modernity is making changes to the county, with pressure for more houses, large-scale agriculture and the climate crisis all having their effect, but Herefordshire remains an intriguing and fascinating place. In 50 Gems of Herefordshire, local author David Phelps visits some of the favourite and lesser-known locations that reflect its heritage, culture and scenic splendour. From churches to castles and cider factory to cathedral, this is a county with much to discover and enjoy. Well-illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to residents and visitors alike.

Worcestershire is a county of contrasts, with one face turned to the modern buzz of Birmingham and the other turned towards the quiet rural landscape of the West Country. Its folk tales reflect this dichotomy, with some stories based in the fears and superstitions of village life, and others evolving from the strains and pressures of a new industrial reality. From battles of the Civil War to witchcraft trials, Worcestershire is steeped in history - and almost every village has some dark tale of magical events to tell. Ordinary folk from all walks of life mix with devils, ogres and ghosts. Even the holy community is not safe - vengeance, infidelity and murder loom large in the county's religious history. Complemented by beautiful illustrations, Worcestershire Folk Tales is crammed with these myths, legends and mysterious yarns. David Phelps has worked as an oral storyteller since 2005, being much inspired by his grandmother's tales of Worcestershire's folklore. He is a member of both the Folklore Society and the Society for Storytelling, and is the author of Herefordshire Folk Tales and Haunted Hereford.

For the unwary visitor, Hereford appears to be a peaceful place. But, for half its existence it was a strategic center in an often troubled and bloody border between England and Wales. It can be no surprise, then, that the city and the surrounding countryside hide dark secrets and uncanny events. From the ghost of a verger who brought down the cathedral tower to the unquiet spirit of a wronged apprentice, the city has a rich history of spectral phenomena. This book is no mere gazetteer, but an in-depth re-telling of the stories that will make you look at the place with fresh eyes, whether you are a tourist or resident.

As an avid collector for over twenty years, I have gathered these birds from all over the United States. This book contains all the information from study of the birds in my collection as well as pictures and information from friends. With a few exceptions, the birds have the Red Dime Mark "Made in Czechoslovakia." You will find as many molds for which I have pictures, showing the color and size varieties. Even though I have spent years in my search, I know there are others yet to be found as I was able to find a new bird even as I was finishing this book. I hope that collectors will send me information on other varieties.

1912. There are those among us who cannot accept the promise of immortality on faith alone and require positive proof for any such belief. This volume discusses various types of Mediums; how they work, how some trick us, and how some do not use trickery. A sampling of the contents is as follows: spirit slate writing and billet tests; some modern sorcery; unusual mediumistic phenomena; materialization; relation of mediumship to palmistry, astrology and fortune telling; performances of the Annie Eva Fay type.

This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

1912. There are those among us who cannot accept the promise of immortality on faith alone and require positive proof for any such belief. This volume discusses various types of Mediums; how they work, how some trick us, and how some do not use trickery. A sampling of the contents is as follows: spirit slate writing and billet tests; some modern sorcery; unusual mediumistic phenomena; materialization; relation of mediumship to palmistry, astrology and fortune telling; performances of the Annie Eva Fay type.