John Husband’s Illustrated Tales of Devon reveals the county’s rich and eerie folklore, far beyond its cosy reputation, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
We’ve spoken before to John Husband about his excellent Illustrated Tales of Cornwall for Amberley Publishing, and at the time he hinted that Devon might be next.
True to his word, here it is – and it doesn’t disappoint.
Devon is sometimes overlooked when it comes to the supernatural, which is odd given its mix of wild coasts, bleak moors, and old towns with centuries of stories attached.
As Illustrated Tales of Devon shows, the county is anything but sleepy.
Forget the cliché of sitting around with cream teas – this is a place of pixies, devils, hairy hands on lonely roads, murderous monks, uncanny legends, and all manner of strange happenings that linger in the imagination.
Husband has a gift for bringing together the county’s folklore, legends, and quirky history into one accessible, entertaining collection.
From the real Uncle Tom Cobley of Widecombe Fair to a gambler’s inn shaped like a pack of cards, from early air crashes to poets and phantoms, the book is packed with tales that reveal Devon’s darker and stranger side in vivid detail.
As with his Cornwall volume, the author’s own photographs accompany the stories, grounding them in real landscapes you can visit today.
That combination of history, legend, and visual record makes the book more than a curiosity – it’s a guide to discovering the uncanny side of Devon for yourself, whether you’re a local or simply exploring.
John Husband once again proves himself a fine collector of folklore, and Illustrated Tales of Devon is a worthy addition to Amberley’s series.
If you thought Devon was all sandy beaches and thatched cottages, this book will make you think again.
Illustrated Tales of Devon by John Husband is available from Amberley Press.
Have you discovered the uncanny side of Devon? Share your favourite local legend in the comments below!
