Landscape of Memory: Living Folklore in England by Jerry Bird was published by Green Magic publications in 2009 and is a fascinating account of how Paganism weaves a path through English history, folklore, music and culture.

The author Jerry Bird is a professional author and musician from Dorset in the South West of England. A keen folklorist and lover of English folk music he is steeped in the Pagan traditions of England and for many years, the driving force behind the independently published Pagan magazine Merry Meet..

This book is, largely speaking, a compilation of reworked articles featured in Merry Meet magazine over the ten or so years of its existence and this is an important piece of modern pagan literature. What the author sets out and achieves is to show how interlinked folklore, music and literature is within the pagan community and how stories, myths and legends have found a renewed sense of connection and inspiration to a new generation of artists and folklore enthusiasts.

England is known for its somewhat peculiar festivals and celebrations and many of these are enjoying a renewed interest, especially with younger people happy to set aside their phones to chase a cheese down a hill, light a Beltane fire or join a procession celebrating a local harvest. Some of these events are described in the book giving the reader a real sense of hope for the preservation of these traditions so important to the history of this island.

Music runs strongly throughout folk tradition and this is well covered by the author, from Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny to Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull and how their music and lyrics were inspired by myth and legend.

Standing stones and other ancient sites are detailed along with carvings and old church glass stained windows with useful grid references, photographs and old engravings to help anyone interested in searching out these remarkable places.

What isn’t lost on the reader is the sense of ‘fun’ to be found within the Pagan tradition and this book conveys the importance of preserving these traditions and connections to nature and the landscape through celebration in most part which is what sets it apart from other more mainstream spiritual practices and beliefs. Part of the appeal of Paganism is the ability to hold serious spiritual beliefs and care for the environment combined with social, lighthearted gatherings and books such as this can hopefully inspire future generations to pick up the mantle and preserve our sacred past.