The Green Man: Spirit of Nature

The Green Man: Spirit of Nature examines the leafy figure as a symbol of nature, fertility and wildness, tracing his changing forms across folklore and art. John Matthews follows related traditions from ancient agrarian cultures to the Green Man’s modern association with environmental concerns.

The book considers figures and names connected with him, including Green Jack, Puck, the Green Knight, Pan and Robin Hood. Twenty-five full-colour images illustrate the discussion, drawing on material from different periods and cultures. Presented as part of a gift set with a Green Man plaque, this concise volume introduces the stories, symbolism and continuing cultural presence of one of Britain’s best-known folkloric images.