Green Men & White Swans

Dr Jacqueline Simpson was born in 1930 and studied English Literature and Medieval Icelandic at Bedford College, University of London. She has been an active member of the Folklore Society since the 1960s, having served at various times as Editor, Secretary and President. She also belongs to the Viking Society for Northern Research. She is particularly interested in local legends, both English and Scandinavian. Her books include British Dragons (1980), Scandinavian Folktales (1988), A Dictionary of English Folklore (2000, with Steve Roud), The Lore of the Land (2005, with Jennifer Westwood) and The Folklore of the Discworld (2008, with Terry Pratchett). She is a member of the Ghosts and Scholars Society and the Dracula Society. She lives in Sussex.

"If you've ever wondered how pubs got their often esoteric names then dipping into Green Men & White Swans should provide enlightenment" Choice "An engaging and inquisitive narrative voice ... As well as being an enjoyable account of local English folklore and history, the book provides an insight into the more esoteric behaviour that characterises English eccentricity" Sunday Telegraph "In this enjoyable compendium, Simpson, a folklore expert, elucidates hundreds of mysterious pub names" Financial Times "This book is both an intriguing insight into the history of the British pub and a captivating journey through the country's dramatic past" Living North