The Green Man: Myth and Reality by Imogen Corrigan is an engaging exploration of church carvings of the Green Man and their roots in folklore and faith, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
Imogen Corrigan’s The Green Man: Myth and Reality is wonderfully compelling exploration of one of the most enigmatic figures in sacred architecture — the foliate head, better known as the Green Man.
Found in nearly every pre-Reformation cathedral and many parish churches across Britain, these faces peering through leaves are more than decorative quirks.
Corrigan, an experienced tour guide and lecturer, takes the reader on a journey through time, folklore and religious symbolism to reveal their layered meanings.
Spanning only 96 pages, this accessible and engaging book balances scholarly insight with an easy narrative style.
Corrigan’s love for her subject is evident as she examines the diversity of Green Men (and women), tracing their origins through pagan fertility rites, labyrinthine myths, and even Christian moral teachings.
The book has loads of illustrations, allowing readers to fully appreciate the various forms these carvings take — some beautiful, others grotesque — and where to find them.
These images make it an ideal companion for anyone exploring churches or historic buildings in Britain. You may begin to notice carvings you had never recognised as Green Men before.
Corrigan also weaves in broader context, touching on dragons, monsters and other mythical creatures that share space with the foliate heads. This wider mythological scope adds depth without overwhelming the reader.
The Green Man: Myth and Reality by Imogen Corrigan is a highly informative and beautifully presented book.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a student of folklore, or simply a curious visitor of sacred spaces, The Green Man: Myth and Reality is a delightful and educational read.
It encourages readers to look up, look closely, and to see the unexpected in our most historic buildings.
I can’t wait to get out and hunt down some versions of The Green Man on my own!
Have you ever spotted a Green Man in a church or cathedral? Tell us in the comments – we’d love to hear where and what you discovered!
The Green Man: Myth and Reality by Imogen Corrigan is available from Amberley Publishing.
