In the new paperback edition of Myths and Legends of Britain and Ireland, author Richard Jones explores the history and mystery of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales

Can there be any other small area of the world with as many myths and legends as Britain and Ireland? From Celtic history to modern murder mystery, the lands of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales are full of stories of kings and wizards, of King Arthur and King Alfred, Merlin and Guinevere, the Holy Grail, Camelot and Avalon, Robin Hood and King Canute, right through to modern legends and myths such as Jack the Ripper and the Loch Ness Monster.

Over 100 places associated with these names are described, and beautifully photographed by John Mason, in Myths and Legends of Britain and Ireland (New Holland Publishers), written by Richard Jones and out now in paperback. Richard Jones has been leading tours of mystical Britain since 1982, and runs the London tour company Discovery Walks and Tours. He has appeared on the History and Discovery TV channels, and written several other books including Walking Haunted London and Haunted Britain and Ireland.

The author is obviously a man who knows his stuff, and I checked the entries for a few places I know, like Stonehenge, Silbury Hill and London Bridge in England, and the Giant's Causeway and the Hill of Tara in Ireland. In every case the entry was spot-on, briefly written but packed with facts... and myths and legends, of course! There are maps showing you roughly where each site can be found, but not the detailed directions or other information like opening hours. So this is not a guidebook, but an accompaniment.

It's also a handsome coffee table book, for browsing through to admire the lovely, lyrical photographs. Many are reproduced in sepia tones or monochrome adding to the mystical nature of the book. My only quibble would be – as always with this kind of book – what's been omitted. To have Silbury Hill but not the nearby Avebury Stone Circle seems odd, as does the inclusion of Stonehenge but not Woodhenge. Still, pretty well everything else seems to be packed into its 160 pages, so if you're at all interested in the myths and legends of Britain and Ireland – well, buy The Myths and Legends of Britain and Ireland by Richard Jones.

Read about being a vagabond on holiday in Ireland by clicking here.

Read about British Isles travel advice by clicking here.

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