A History of Folklore and Fable

Discover the fascinating history of folklore across the world – a rich and diverse tapestry that has shaped human culture, tradition, and belief for thousands of years.

From the creation myths of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to the heroic sagas of Norse gods and Celtic warriors, explore how oral traditions, fables, folk tales, and early literature captured the imagination of societies around the globe, weaving together their timeless themes with iconic figures and archetypes.

Uncover the ways in which folklore intertwined with religion during the medieval era, giving birth to figures like England’s King Arthur, China’s Monkey King, and Baba Yaga of Slavic tradition. Witness the rebirth of folklore during the Renaissance, and its later influence on fairy tales of national or cultural identity – from the work of Hans Christian Andersen to the fables of Br’er Rabbit. And learn how modern media, urban legends, and internet folklore have reinterpreted and reinvented these age-old stories for the 21st century.

Written by a team of experts, A History of Folklore and Fable is the ultimate guide to the enduring tales that have shaped human history, and the timeless power of storytelling across the world – perfect whether you are a casual reader or someone with an existing passion for the subject.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs