At a time when interest in ghost stories and the uncanny has become very popular, this is one of the most exciting books to grace the catafalque here at Ghastling Towers this year. A book entirely dedicated to unearthing previously uncollected stories and first-hand accounts of the ghost lore here in Wales. Many of these stories have been totally overlooked due to the fact that they were collected and written down in the Welsh language. As a ghost story obsessive, I often find myself trawling through collections of ghost stories looking for something new, and it often feels like it’s all been documented before. But not here, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This is incredibly exciting for anybody interested in folklore and the history and culture of Wales. This book doesn’t stop in the 1970s like many collections, it documents right up to the present day; stories from a large section of Welsh society that have never been collected or translated before. Wales has long been admired for its legends and mythology, its castles and wild landscapes, but this time a major aspect of Wales’s identity – its language – has played an important role in uncovering a rich part of its previously unexplored culture and history.

The book is divided into sections which focus on specific aspects of Welsh folklore including: Unfinished Business, Ghosts in the Landscape, Spectral Beasts, Holy Ghosts, Poltergeists, Ladi Wen (white lady), Water Spirits, Fantastical Ghouls and Death Omens. The book also includes some truly creepy black and white illustrations to accompany each chapter by Katie Marland.

This is an intelligent, accessible, well-thought-out, detailed and necessary book. A spectacular addition to the haunted landscape we have in Wales and the UK. This is a book which should grace the household of any ghost story enthusiast, folklorist and historian. I do hope that there is going to be more where this came from. Priced at £14.99 and published by Calon. What are you waiting for? Go get a copy!

Seasons greetings to you all!

Nadolig Llawen!

From Rebecca Parfitt and all the ghosts at Ghastling Towers