Folklore Myths and Legends of Britain – Reader’s Digest 1973. Not at children’s book, but my parents bought this in the 70s and I pored over it for hours and days. I knew every page.
It was divided into geographic areas with a map at the beginning of each section. The map showed symbols according to the topic of the entry – from fabulous beasts to witches and wizards. (I love a map anyway, but that’s another story.)
Map spread
I found it again in a second-hand shop in Hastings a few years ago.
The book was cornucopia of treasures – perfect to dip into. But, as a child, some of it was deliciously scary – tales of screaming skulls, ghosts and witches.
There were several artists – this one had a sort of cross-hatch style, that feels very intricate and time consuming.
To add a note to this: I did a little investigating and it turns out this artist is Robin Jacques. See here He is the brother of the famous British actor Hattie Jacques.
St Dunstan and the Devil
Fairies
And here’s our Hertfordshire story – Catherine Ferrers – the Wicked Lady.
The Wicked Lady
Three Wishes Books 