Described as a “literary raconteur” and a “virtuoso,” Tim Rayborn admits to nothing, but it’s true that he’s a versatile writer, award-winning editor, and an acclaimed musician. He’s written dozens of books, appeared on more than forty recordings, plays scores of unusual instruments, and visited five continents. Tim lived in England for nearly seven years and has a Ph.D. in medieval studies from the University of Leeds, which he likes to pretend means that he knows what he’s talking about. He has written a large number of books and magazine articles about history, music, and the arts. He will undoubtedly write more, whether anyone wants him to or not.
I wrote...
Qwyrk
By
Tim Rayborn
What is my book about?
Qwyrk is having a bad day; several, in fact. One of the Shadow folk tasked with keeping an eye on humanity, she’s ready for a well-earned break in Yorkshire, but now she’s (literally) run into a girl, Jilly, who just saw something quite supernatural and truly awful happen in her town. As Qwyrk tries to unravel the mystery, layers of villainy are exposed, and she’s stuck with an assortment of unlikely folk that she’d rather not have “helping” her. Together, they confront ancient magic, medieval conspiracies, and the possible end of the world (that again?). It’s not the holiday Qwyrk was hoping for!
Qwyrk is the first book in a series about the adventures of a group of misfits at the edge of reality in modern northern England, a world of shadows, Nighttime Nasties, sorcery, folklore, tacky nightclub attire, an abundance of sarcasm, and even elves… though they are a bit silly.
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The Books I Picked & Why
In Search of England: Journeys into the English Past
By
Michael Wood
Why this book?
Wood is known for his stellar television documentaries, but he’s also a prolific and talented author. This gem of a book delves into some of the most famous legends of English/British folklore, ones that still capture the popular imagination. He then examines some key historical events and people from the earlier Middle Ages, and their importance even now. Written in an engaging style, it’s an excellent introduction to the roots and origins of so much British culture.
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The Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain
By
Ronald Hutton
Why this book?
As the title implies, this book is a comprehensive survey of the many kinds of rituals and observances for different seasons to mark the passage of the year, reaching far back into history and pre-history. While many of these celebrations are no longer observed, some have endured and found popularity throughout the world. This is a fascinating look into British traditions and folklore, both those of pagan origin and those taken over or refitted by Christianity in more recent times.
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The Way of Wyrd
By
Brian Bates
Why this book?
This intriguing novel tells the story of a young Christian monk, Brand, who is sent to find and learn from a Saxon shaman/sorcerer, Wulf. The shaman turns Brand’s life upside down, introducing him to a strange, mysterious, and magical world that Brand never imagined existed. Written like a modern spiritual quest, but set in Anglo-Saxon England, the novel is an ingenious combination of old and new, inspired by charms and healings in a thousand-year-old manuscript in the British Library.
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The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain
By
Bill Bryson
Why this book?
Bill Bryson is an international treasure, a keen observer of the modern quirks and foibles of his fellow humans all over the world. His wit and ability to good-naturedly skewer just about anything and anyone are a marvel to read. This book is perhaps a sequel to his earlier work, Notes from a Small Island, but both provide valuable insights into British culture and its many charms and annoyances. Hilarious!
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Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
By
Terry Pratchett,
Neil Gaiman
Why this book?
This classic modern fantasy by Gaiman and Pratchett is a brilliant blend of folklore, history, end-of-the-world scenarios, British humor, and some genuine sweetness and humanity, as two angels become the unlikely saviors of a world on the brink of ending. Their adventures across modern Britain as they try to save everything are a marvel. The apocalypse has never been so much fun!
