Sabine Baring-Gould's Curious Myths of the Middle Ages was first published in 1866. It became a highly popular work and went through many editions over the next 25 years. The beginning of the present century saw it eclipsed by a host of lesser, similar works (most deriving from Baring-Gould's original researches), yet for those familiar with the literature on the subject, Curious Myths remained the standard, authoritative source. It is an immensely readable volume and the only one to collect all of those strange and compelling myths and legends that are so much a part of the Middle Ages. And Edward Hardy has skillfully edited the original lengthy text into more concise form while carefully preserving Baring-Gould's style and manner. Curious Myths of the Middle Ages will appeal equally to the student of the period, the collector of folk-tales, and the reader who simply like to be amused with stories of the marvelous. The present edition is illustrated with numerous woodcuts by Albrecht Durer ...-Book Jacket