Step into the enchanting world of fairies and folklore with this newly revised edition of Katharine Briggs’s A Dictionary of Fairies. Originally published in 1979 under the title Abbey Lubbers, Banshees, and Boggarts: A Who’s Who of Fairies, this updated version features charming ink illustrations by artist Fee Greening and a foreword by Sophia Kingshill, a family friend of Briggs and Honorary Secretary of the famed Folklore Society (where Briggs herself once served as an esteemed President).
The entries in this collection are both entertaining and oddly familiar. As a fan of fantasy, I couldn’t help but notice echoes of these folkloric figures in the works of classic authors like Tolkien, Dahl, and Pullman, as well as in modern storytellers like J.K. Rowling—many of whom clearly drew inspiration from the tales preserved in this text.
That said, the language can feel a bit repetitive at times, with frequent cross-references (“see this” or “see that”) that send the reader circling between similar descriptions and behaviors.
Still, as a reference guide to all things fairy, this book is a delight. Its old-fashioned language and storytelling style conjure the feeling of fireside legends passed down through generations—perfect for dipping into on a cozy evening. Just don’t expect to read it straight through like a novel; it’s best enjoyed in small doses, perhaps as a palate cleanser between those epic fantasy or romantasy series.
Be sure to browse the bibliography, too—Briggs lists dozens of fascinating sources that any folklore enthusiast will want to explore further.
This edition would make a wonderful gift for the fantasy-loving bibliophile in your life.
ARC provided by Octopus Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Purchase your copy here.
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