Culture & Folklore

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Following on from the hugely popular first edition, this new Island Kitchen Volume Two brings you more mouth-watering recipes from the Island’s finest establishments. Using the Isle of Man’s world-famous ingredients, you can enjoy creating restaurant-quality meals and pick up tips from the Island’s talented chefs along the way.

New recipes from the island's large restaurants, small intimate cafes, bars and breweries allow you to create the quality meals served in your favourite Isle of Man eateries, all in the comfort of your own home.

This book offers one of the richest sources of traditional tales from the Isle of Man, including fairies, bugganes, ghosts, giants, witches and so much more.

Collected over a hundred years ago by Karl Roeder, it is reprinted here for the first time since 1904 and now includes exciting additional material.
Stories include the origins of Hunt the Wren, the murdered witch of Slieu Whallian, and perhaps the Isle of Man's oldest UFO sighting.

The book is one of the richest sources of traditional tales from the Isle of Man, much of which was gathered from Edward Faragher - 'Ned Beg Hom Ruy' - the legendary poet of Cregneash.

As well as folklore, it contains fascinating pieces on history, language, literature and other things of Manx interest, as well as some more theoretical discussions of Manx matters unmatched then or since.

All of it has been faithfully transcribed and introduced by Stephen Miller, whose knowledge of the material is second to none.
Anyone interested in the Isle of Man will find this book enormously fascinating and endlessly rewarding.

A melodramatic romance, full of intrigue and jealousy, this novella was originally published in 1893

It relates the tale of a simple Manx boy, Davy, who falls in love and then goes abroad to seek his fortune. He returns a rich man and marries his childhood sweetheart, Nelly, after a whirlwind reunion only to discover that she has changed while he has been abroad. They part almost on the eve of their wedding. Can their love ever be rekindled?

In his time Hall Caine was one of the most popular writers in the world. His books were translated into dozens of languages, sold millions of copies, and were made into films, including one by Hitchcock. The book in which this story was originally published, was dedicated by the author to his good friend Bram Stoker.

Join Preemie Kayleigh on her fourth adventure among the Manx fairies.

Kayleigh is troubled by a mysterious recurring dream that she is certain is coming to her from the fairy realm. More troubling still, her fairy friends all seem to have disappeared. Kayleigh sets out to find answers by herself and becomes entangled once more in the turmoil of an awakening fairy world. Her adventure takes her from the dungeons under Castle Rushen to the top of North Barrule, as she struggles to unravel the mystery of her strange dreams and to rescue her missing friends. Along the way she meets a Manx giant who sends her to meet the one person who can restore peace to the fairy world, but only if Kayleigh agrees to pay a terrible price in return

This is one of the earliest collections of the tales and legends unique to the Isle of Man. Collected and published by one of the founding fathers of Manx preservation. This volume features many stories and tales gathered together by the author from the people of the Island from both English and Manx sources. As it said in the original description: "Being an Account of Its Myths, Legends, Superstitions, Customs, and Proverbs, Collected from Many Sources; with a Genreral Introduction; and with Explanatory Notes to Each Chapter"

This book is a collection of 43 Manx folk songs and melodies arranged for piano solo by the author

Manx Fairy Tales collected by Sophia Morrison at the beginning of last century, has proved to be one of the most popular and enduring works ever published about the Isle of Man. All the famous characters from Manx mythology appear in this collection: the Buggane of St Trinian's, the Moddey Dhoo of Peel Castle and the wren who, through her cunning and quick thinking, became the King of the Birds.

This edition of the stories has been newly editied by Bob Carswell who has adapted the text to make it accessible to the modern reader, though keeping all the drama and characters of the originals. Also for this edtion, Julian Ashby Smyth has created a rich and colourful illustrations and Charles Guard has produced a specially recorded CD, with original music and sound effects, which brings the 15 key stories to life.

Based on his early childhood memories and interviews with Manx people of the time, the ancient tales of the Phynodderree, the Buggane of St Trinians', the Fairy Cup of Malew and The Great Sword Macabuin were collected and written down by Edward Callow and first published in 1882. The existence of fairies was still held to be a certainty amongst the Manx people at this time.

Edward Callow originally wrote this book to rescue from oblivion some of the tales and legends of his own childhood. He hoped that reading them would encourage in his readers a desire to visit the Isle of Man.

There is probably no other place like the Isle of Man where the weird and mystical remain as close to the community. Celtic myths legends and traditions forged the people and many are still recognised.

Where else in modern times would you find a UFO crash on a mountain top alongside precautions to ensure that the present British monarch paid homage to strange beings that live under a bridge? This book brings you the adventures of the fynoderee, the fearsome moddey doo to name just a couple.

As well as following these weird tales from the comfort of your armchair, it's visitor freindly features will also allow you to go out and discover the places mentioned for yourself.

One of the most popular novels of its time, The Manxman is a romantic tale of love, heartbreak and redemption set on the Isle of Man. Kate Gregeen loves Peter Quillam who seeks his fortune abroad in order that he may marry her. Peter's best friend Philip is to look after Kate while he is away. During Peter's absence Kate and Philip become lovers but Philip chooses his legal career over Kate. Peter returns having made his fortune and the consequences of each characters actions are played out.

In his time Hall Caine was one of the most popular writers in the world. Translated into 12 languages, selling over half a million copies, and being made into films, including one by Hitchcock, this is his greatest novel.

In 1996, a young Canadian artist travelled to the Isle of Man in the hopes of finding a new home. Lured by the opportunities that only a burgeoning offshore banking centre could offer, he was soon to discover that the island is more than meets the eye.

This outsider's perspective of the island contains a variety of pictures and photographs and, pays particular heed to Manx folklore. Local folk tales give fair warning that this island can ensnare the unsuspecting, and the treasure it contains may not be quite what one expects. But who pays heed to old superstitions? Then what should we make make of the 'Lazy Wife' who is rewarded for her cunning, or those fearsome creatures that come in the night to help with our chores? The trickster God and the little folk, for whom 'Sunday' is an unspeakable word?

Moral tales, meant to keep us on the straight and narrow? No, these stories are about something more. They are about life and creativity, fate and fortune, and we shouldn't be surprised when everyday life reflects folklore.

Hall Caine's first novel set on the Isle of Man is a dramatic family saga telling the story of several generations of a Manx family. From bribery to piousness, depression and lost honour to love and fights to the death, this story was so popular in its time that Bram Stoker wrote the introduction to a later edition and King Edward VII made a surprise visit to the Island to be shown some of the locations in which the novel is set. The Deemster was the basis for several stage plays and a 1917 American film which starred Caine's son Derwent Hall Caine.

In his time Hall Caine was one of the most popular writers in the world. The Deemster was his first novel set on the Isle of Man. It was a huge success running to over 50 editions in at least 9 languages.

As well as being one of the most famous writers of his day, Sir Thomas Henry Hall Caine was also a conservationist and lecturer. Above all, however, he was a great enthusiast for his native Manx homeland.

He was popular enough to be a celebrity and picture postcards of him were sold and traded around the world. He fell out with Alfred Hitchcock while the director was producing a film based on Caine's most famous novel The Manxman (the film was completed in Cornwall).

Hall Caine promoted his views about the Island in lectures across the globe and this volume, originally published in 1891, brought together his thoughts and ideas in a populist style which appealed to all ages.

The Isle of Man's tailless cats are famous across the world, but the reason why they differ in this respect from almost all other cats is still subject to misunderstanding, coment and speculation. Did a TT motorcyclist run over a cat's tail or did Mannanan, Celtic God of the Sea and the island's traditional protector, create cats withoout tails? Or, more prosaically, is tailless the result of their heredity?

This book goes some way towards explaining the origin and folklore of these intelligent and freindly animals.

This is the story of amateur orchestras on the Isle of Man for the past two hundred years.

Some of the earliest references to classical concerts on the Island date from the early nineteenth century, but in 1917, the first properly constituted amateur orchestra was formed, with regular rehersals and regular condutor, J E Quayle

The Isle of Man has been well served by its amateur orchestral musicians, who have participated in some of the largest and most successful musical events ever produced here, and continue to do so.

For the author, Sarah Xhumrri, entertaining is quite simply enjoying great food with great company and putting as much or as little effort as you want in to the occasion.

In this beautifully illustrated cookbook, Sarah shares her passion for food and her enthusiasm for sourcing and preparing ingredients and savouring the investment that culminates in the perfect get together. Her recipes are easy to follow, full of personality and if there is a quick fix she has found it. Chapters include Island Suppliers, Breakfast, Light Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Spectacular Sunday Roast, Eating Outside and Exquisite Evening.

With a career spanning over 20 years, she has been privy to almost all of life's events and celebrations, and now shares industry insights into planning, preparing and hosting these occasions with ease and enjoyment.

Now in its fourth edition, this book contains a wealth of recipes and folk lore unique to the Isle of Man. Many of the recipes are still firm favourites on the Island and the author has laid out the ingredients and methods in a clear and concise way so that the modern cook will be able to prepare these traditional food to serve in a contemporary dining room.

The book is also full of fascinating anecdotes about manx life as it was not too long ago. Everything from fairies to children's celebration songs.

***PLEASE NOTE, THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN IN MANX***

Brian Stowell, more than anyone of his generation, worked tirelessly and enthusiastically for the language and the cultural identity of this country and his autobiography takes us on a journey, of not only the author's cultural and political awakening, but that of this Island nation.

Born and educated in Douglas, Brian worked as a lecturer in Physics at Liverpool John Moore University before returning to the Island in 1991 to take up the new position of Manx Language Officer with the Department of Education. The title of his autobiography, Gaelg as Fishig, reflects these two elements to his life and work: Manx and Physics.

Brian, who received the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan Award in 2008 and the Tynwald Honour Medal in 2010 for his work for the language, is sadly missed but fondly remembered by many people both here and abroad and this book is a testament to a life well lived.

This is a book of easy to moderate piano pieces features 64 arrangements by local composer Frank Woolley. Using the best-loved Manx tunes as well as some lesser known ones, Frank has created a series of inventive and attractive arrangements that will suit beginners as well as those seeking a new slant on traditional Manx music

An ideal guide for first time readers of our National Poet's work.

The definitive guide to Celtic names with more than 2,000 names from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall, Wales and the Isle of Man. The book contains associated myths and stories, helpful pronounciations, and most common variant spellings

This delightfully illustrated book is the Manx Gaelic version of the famous Manx Fairy Tales collected by Sophia Morrison in the early 20th century and which form the bedrock of Manx myth and folklore.

New illustrations have been commissioned from local artist Juan Moore and this new and fresh translation will be a delight for all those who speak Manx Gaelic.

This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel with text designed to pass on a well known Manx folk tale of the Black Dog of Peel Castle in a visual and stimulating way.

Join Kayleigh on her first fictional adventure among the Manx fairies.

Join Kayleigh on her second fictional adventure among the Manx fairies.