A collection of tales from Europe, the Near and Middle East and Africa.

The Willow Weaver, and Seven Other Tales by Michael Wood is a compelling collection that invites readers into a world of enchanting stories and vivid imagination. Each tale within this volume is a testament to Wood’s skillful storytelling and his ability to weave together elements of fantasy, folklore, and human experience. The centerpiece of the collection, "The Willow Weaver," is a mesmerizing tale that delves into themes of nature, magic, and transformation. Through rich, lyrical prose, Wood crafts a story that explores the mysterious connection between a weaver and the ancient willow tree, revealing profound truths about life and destiny. The remaining seven stories in the collection offer a diverse range of narratives, each imbued with Wood’s signature blend of intrigue and poignancy. From whimsical adventures to hauntingly beautiful fables, these tales are bound by their exploration of universal themes and their ability to transport readers to imaginative realms. The Willow Weaver, and Seven Other Tales is ideal for readers who appreciate beautifully crafted short fiction that blends the fantastical with the deeply personal. Michael Wood’s evocative storytelling and imaginative settings make this collection a captivating read for anyone who enjoys rich, narrative-driven literature and timeless tales.

"This Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature provides an invaluable guide to the current state of the field. The chronology tracks fantasy's evolution from the origins of literature until the 21st century. The introduction explains the nature of the impulse to create and shape fantasy literature, the problems in defining what it is, and the reasons for its changing historical fortunes. The dictionary includes more than 700 entries on authors, both contemporary and historical, and more than 200 entries on fantasy subgenres, key images in fantasy literature, technical terms used in fantasy criticism, and the intimately convoluted relationship between literary fantasies, scholarly fantasies, and lifestyle fantasies.

This volume explores the cultural meaning of several supernatural creatures in Arabia, tracing the historical development of these creatures and their recent representations in the Western world. Utilizing a variety of old and new Arabic, English and French sources, the text explores creatures including the Ghoul and its derivations, the Rukh bird, and the dragon. Unlike other texts, which primarily focus on Genies or Jinns, this volume explores other supernatural and mythical creatures that have been popular in the Middle East and Arabia for centuries but are less known to Western audiences. Dr. Al-Rawi argues that many of these creatures have pre-Islamic roots, and that they served an important function in connecting the past with the present, offering a popular vehicle to articulate and imagine the supernatural dimension of existence which helps in consolidating religious views.

This collection features over fourteen mystery stories to puzzle and amaze. Perfect for young readers, the collection includes stories that range from creepy school computers to amateur bank robbers; from lost villages to deadly Christmas presents. Both funny and serious in tone, readers are sure to be intrigued by the variety.

Fantasy is a genre in motion, gradually expanding its reach and historical sources to embrace a global identity Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature, Second Edition is a snapshot of the genre in this moment, identifying new themes and sources that are emerging to inspire, enhance and invigorate the published works of fantasy writers.

Reproduction of the original.