Maypoles, martyrs & mayhem - Quentin Cooper

This book offers insight into the part played by superstition in British history - the omens and beliefs that have guided kings and shaped the course of battles. Fact, myth and slapstick have all played their part in the story of these islands, and popular versions of events sometimes differ wildly from those found in the standard history books.;Each of the 400-plus extant customs and celebrations included here is given its appropriate day, so that readers can easily see what is happening throughout the calendar, and whether they can go along. With a story or event relevant to every day of the year - leap years included - this book is a diary of truly strange days.;Paul Sullivan and Quentin Cooper have known each other since their schooldays in Grimsby, when Paul began to influence Quentin with his fascination for folklore. Quentin Cooper is a regular presenter of Radio 4's daily arts programme Kaleidoscope and is the drama and film critic for Radio Five Live.