Fairies: A Dangerous History

This is one of the most gripping, exceptional books I've ever read. The first half was so intense, actually, that I had to set it down to rest because I was so involved in every word. Part of my response is because of the striking parallels between what Sugg writes about and my own indigenous tradition (out of curiosity I picked up this book). If you've ever considered native or aboriginal traditions and wondered about where a comparable tradition might be for those with Celtic roots, look here - the author has dug more deeply than most on this topic. This is a very important work that could help fill that empty place that many people feel who are maybe disconnected or for whom religion has fallen short. Though it helps in that regard, it doesn't read like that's the aim because there's also plenty of coverage of old court cases and crimes and a treatment of fairies in art and literature. It really is a history of the human experience with fairies and belief is not required. Just listen to the stories. There's story after stunning story in this book, and even a complete outsider will benefit from and enjoy this work.Sugg writes with clarity and honesty. There's no New Age nonsense in here, thankfully. He also has a good list of recommended reading which I appreciate since it's hard to wade through the countless delusional books out there.I'd hoped for a little information about fairies in other parts of the world and would love it if the author would consider writing on that topic, too.The kindle version is fine and well done, too. Great work all around.

I its not what I was looking for. Honestly, difficult to follow the references when not having them at hand. Well researched based on the bibliography and with a crossreferenced index, but, other than " beware of faeries", I did not derive much from it at this time. Author must believe in them to make such statements. Maybe the issue is that faeries are not humans, do not think like humans and have a whole other set of morals and survival codes that we long abandoned. Our new gods are progress, technology and disdain for the natural order, not forgetting we reproduce like rabbits and mostly destroy. But the bottom line, we know very little about faeries and their culture. This book is one sided compilation of accounts. The Spanish Inquisition and the Witch burning events really do not place humans in the best light nor the wars in the last centuries, the bigotry, and all current events and characters driving them. So, my question to the author is: who is scarier, the Fae or the Human?

This book is such an amaing history of the fairies. It gives a great insight to the non fairy tale die of the fairies.

Love this book. Very well researched with an anthropology insight. I hang on every word and don't want this book to end.

Arrived promptly and safe. Marvelous book cover to cover

Retreading already worn ground on the subject, Richard Sugg makes a wonderful entry into the subject matter of the Fae Folk in this volume. It's all here: Changelings, Fairy Forts, comparisons to witches/vampires/etc, abductions, fairy animals, the Disneyfication from a dangerous entity to a cute and kind being, and expressions of them in literature, Suggs covers it all. A worthy addition to the literature on the subject.The most entertaining was Sugg's pointing out there's actually more evidence for the existence of fairies than the Christian god and I'll have to agree with him except that in both cases, we're only dealing with anecdotal material - stories. So until someone can "bring the body", we'll have to leave the reality of such things in the air.I also enjoyed that with most cases, Suggs attempted to determine what the true story was. Were we dealing with pure fiction and legend or was there some truth? Such as in the case of changelings we are treated to the awful reality that many children suffered and died as a result of being accused of being a fairy plant rather than being recognized as suffering from a deformity or mental illness.In the end, although the Fae Folk have common characteristics, they've pretty much been whatever you wanted them to be - some intelligence behind the scenes, making mischief or granting favors or meddling in the affairs of men. They're creatures that continue to exist in our imaginations, always changing with the times. And yet, as Suggs points out, it's difficult to review some of the stories of fairy encounters and dismiss them as fabrications. Some seem impossible to chalk up as imaginations gone wild. The mystery of some other elusive intelligence has been with us since time began, I suppose. It appears most of the evidence comes from within in our own heads. Unless, of course, at some point in an incredible turn of events, we actually do detect such an entity among us without a doubt. That would really be something.

I have read a number of books on fairies and Celtic folklore and this book is a stand out. In addition to being well written and well researched, Dr. Sugg's blending of historical accounts, court cases, fairy frauds, and fictional representations of the fay provides for a delightful and well rounded read. The book also contains a rich vein of first hand accounts (some of which the author provides evidence against, others which appear deliciously harder to debunk).In addition to Dr. Sugg's historical research he advances some compelling and original arguments regarding fairies and poltergeists, which for me, were the absolute highlight of the book. A must read if you have any interest in fairies, folklore, Celtic traditions, Europe's Pagan heritage, spiritual ecology, or the supernatural.

Well researched and easily read.Personally, I believe we might not be in the climate crisis we are currently in if mainstream religion hadn't pushed this kind of folklore to the side. Kids need to have some wonder and awe for nature as well as enough respect to leave some places be.Fair play to Richard for his work on this book.

Interesting book that discusses how our perception of fairies developed from demons to their present day incarnations as Disneyfied pretty little things.

Superbly written and researched book about how fairy folklore has impacted on our culture, despite disappearing into the ether in recent years. Covers how fairies have changed over time and how the belief shaped peoples actions towards others.

Fascinating look at the perception of fairies through the ages.

highly recommended, very fast shipping, in very good conditions and a very good choice for Fairies lovers. Very interesting book with beautiful images inside.