Hobgoblins

The Secret History of Hobgoblins

By Professor Ari Berk

Illustrated by Gary Chalk, Alan Lee, Virginia Lee, Larry MacDougall, Douglas Carrel, and Fernando Molinari

Publisher: Templar Books (UK)

(UK) ISBN-10: 1848771908

(UK) ISBN-13: 978-1848771901

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From The Order Of The Golden Quills:

Every house holds a mystery.

Behind the door, beside the stove, under the stairs, along the roads — Hobgoblins have been the helpful housemates, neighbors, and friends of humans for thousands of years. But beware! When humans forget their obligations to the Secret Folk and break the Laws of Hospitality, even the friendliest Hobgoblin may turn tricksy.

Here find tellings of domestic Brownies, Lobs-Lie-By-The-Fire, Roman Lars, Japanese Tsukumogami, medieval Portunes, playful pixies, and the famous Robin Goodfellow, as well as grimmer folk: wandering Willow O' The Wisps, wrathful Red Caps, and bold Boggarts.

Join the Order of the Golden Quills as it presents the secret history and long lost lore of the Hobgoblins who dwell in that most mysterious of all lands: home.

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REVIEWS

YoungWriters.co.uk [click here to read the full review by a young reader as well as an interview with Ari Berk]

"What I love about this book is the presentation, the pictures, snippets of info. and flaps make it so much fun to read... . This is a great book, engaging, interesting, fun, educational and a lovely addition to any bookcase, or "founte" as the Hearth Folk say."

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My Favorite Books [click to read full review]

"I think this Secret Histories book will sit well with enthusiasts of all ages. There is so much to think about, to make notes about, and to research, should you so wish, in this beautiful book that I think it's a boon to creative storytellers in classrooms and for those parents who are fond of telling their own bedtime stories to young folk."

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"Hobgoblins is a riot of folkloric fun. The perfect way to say 'hello home and hearth' if you've been having a spot of bother at home and can't think why. Hobgoblins, Brownies, Abbey Lubbers and others have their rights too, you know. Blissfully illustrated, fat and unctiously rich with lore to hold in hand..."

- Caitlin Matthews, author of The Storyworld Cards

Dawn and Dusk, by Virginia Lee

A Lantern Spirit, by Douglas Carrel

Robin Goodfellow - Onstage and Off, by Virginia Lee

The Trophy at Heorot, by Alan Lee

'Go hence, naughty goblins!' by Virginia Lee

A Few Words From The Author

Home is a holy thing. It always has been. The lore of the hearth and home has been a fascination of mine for a long time for it's the most homely kind of magic, the most essential and enduring. Just there, by the kitchen fire (or near the stove, or even by the electric kettle) or under the stairs, evidence of Hobgoblins may still be found, those secret folk with whom humans have shared their habitations since the earliest days.

The wonderful thing about Hobgoblin lore is that it still has so much say about living a peaceful life and about making a peaceful world. Kindness, consideration, and hospitality are key to good relations with hobgoblins and, generally speaking, everyone else. An open door, a glad greeting, and a warm seat by the fire ensures merry company.

Hobs know instinctively that asking "How may I help?" or "What do you need?" brings out the best in all folk. Hobgoblins know that just a little kindness, even the simplest gift left by the hearth in friendship, can make all the world kin. If we seek them out, if we listen to their stories, we may find wonders hidden all about us, even in the most common places.

So here is a little book with a big heart. It is my sincere wish that by writing this book, and sharing a bit of the Old Hobbish Lore, we may once again revel in the company of Our Good Neighbors and take joy in the simple pleasures of hearth and home.