The Witchcraft and Folklore of Dartmoor

5 out of 5

H – Nov 12, 2012

Having grown up on the moors and spent a lot of my time lately walking and exploring new areas, I thought it was only right to immerse myself in both the History and the folklore of the moors. This book by Ruth E st Leger-Gordon is one of the most comprehensive books I have read so far on the folklore of Dartmoor, including all the well known tales of the moors along with some less well known. It also examines the history of the tales and of there survival in the modern world. I found this book Having grown up on the moors and spent a lot of my time lately walking and exploring new areas, I thought it was only right to immerse myself in both the History and the folklore of the moors. This book by Ruth E st Leger-Gordon is one of the most comprehensive books I have read so far on the folklore of Dartmoor, including all the well known tales of the moors along with some less well known. It also examines the history of the tales and of there survival in the modern world. I found this book both informative and educational and now know a lot more about the legends of the places where I walk and what inspired them and also the true history behind the myths.

4 out of 5

Tracey Norman – Jan 29, 2018

I read this as part of some ongoing research I'm currently undertaking. For me, living near Dartmoor and starting off with a considerable amount of knowledge about its folklore, this was, for the most part, more of an entry-level summary of the more interesting aspects of moor lore. However, where this book is invaluable as a resource is in the numerous eyewitness accounts and oral testimony which were the most fascinating parts of the book. These accounts feature in every chapter and offer a re I read this as part of some ongoing research I'm currently undertaking. For me, living near Dartmoor and starting off with a considerable amount of knowledge about its folklore, this was, for the most part, more of an entry-level summary of the more interesting aspects of moor lore. However, where this book is invaluable as a resource is in the numerous eyewitness accounts and oral testimony which were the most fascinating parts of the book. These accounts feature in every chapter and offer a real insight into how certain beliefs have been perpetuated in some moorland communities - and beyond. The book didn't help me greatly in respect of my main research, as the chapters I was particularly interested in contained a lot of generalisations and one or two sweeping statements which were a little irritating, but it's a book very much of its time (mid 60s). It's well-written by someone who clearly knew her stuff - and while it didn't assist in one way, it provided four or five chapters which contributed extremely well to a new offshoot of research, so it was most definitely time well spent.

5 out of 5

Mysterioso – Nov 22, 2018

Fascinating book, informed by what seems to be a lifetime of researches almost to the point of being more a memoire. Very easy to read. The only thing I regret is the lack of a map!

4 out of 5

Cheryl – Oct 10, 2016

I expected this to be more a book about the folklore of the area with stories. It seemed to have been written for people already familiar with the tales told. I am not so this was more of a struggle for me.