The Secret History of Hobgoblins

By Professor Ari Berk

Illustrated by Gary Chalk, Alan Lee, Virginia Lee, Larry MacDougall, Douglas Carrel, and Fernando Molinari

Publisher: Templar Books (UK)

(UK) ISBN-10: 1848771908

(UK) ISBN-13: 978-1848771901

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From The Order Of The Golden Quills:

Every house holds a mystery.

Behind the door, beside the stove, under the stairs, along the roads — Hobgoblins have been the helpful housemates, neighbors, and friends of humans for thousands of years. But beware! When humans forget their obligations to the Secret Folk and break the Laws of Hospitality, even the friendliest Hobgoblin may turn tricksy.

Here find tellings of domestic Brownies, Lobs-Lie-By-The-Fire, Roman Lars, Japanese Tsukumogami, medieval Portunes, playful pixies, and the famous Robin Goodfellow, as well as grimmer folk: wandering Willow O' The Wisps, wrathful Red Caps, and bold Boggarts.

Join the Order of the Golden Quills as it presents the secret history and long lost lore of the Hobgoblins who dwell in that most mysterious of all lands: home.

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REVIEWS

"Professor Ari Berk had me at Hob! I have been fascinated by the lore of of these little folk since falling for J.K. Rowling’s Dobby so it came as no surprise that I found myself studying every last word on each elaborate page. The old-world style in which the book is presented will no doubt capture your child’s attention as it did mine. Full of detailed artwork in color and black and white, fold-out spreads, flaps to flip and facts to glean, The Secret History of Hobgoblins (is that a tongue twister?) fascinates as it entertains. We learn from the book’s opening that the Secret Folk (who thrive on hospitality and domestic order) are sharing their privately held practices with us in order to “herald a swift return to the hospitable practices of the past.” Hear! Hear! Learn about where they live, what their spells and charms are and how to peacefully cohabit with them. Frankly, while I could really use a hobgoblin at home, I must resign myself to just reading about them in Berk’s engaging new book."

— GooD ReaDs with Ronna

*"Being a fan of folklore and fairylore, I found Professor Berk's Hobgoblin book to be a delectably savoury treat to read. First and foremost, the presentation of Berk's book was thoroughly enjoyable. It certainly captivated this reader from start to finish with a variety of lift-the-flaps and foldouts concealing all manner of mystical customs and little-known lore about Hobgoblins. Such tidbits of information were further enhanced with numerous detailed illustrations of the otherworldly creatures and their favourite dwelling places. Berk's Hobgoblins is a truly fascinating book that would make a welcome addition to any library's folk and fairy tale collection...a great book for anyone who wants to learn how to stay on good terms with the hobgoblins" 5/5

— Youth Services Book Review, starred review

"I think students will like this book for the same reason I do. Variety. The text, the textures, and the subject matter is presented in so many interesting and creative ways that it like a mini treasure hunt. Fascinating!" — Kiss the Book

"I learned much from this mystical tome, set forth by Professor Ari Berk. It contains many gorgeous and helpful illustrations, as well as personal stories from previous members of the Order of the Golden Quills, including a Mr. William Shakespeare! If you long to know the secret ways of these happy, helpful folk, pick up this tale of long-lost lore." — U.S. Kids

"Through flaps and fold-outs, we discover their history and living styles. Each hobgoblin has a double nature, the kindly hob and the troublesome goblin. Enjoy this delightful look at a hidden fairy people." — Post Tribune/Chicago Sun Times

"Just flipping through this book makes one want to read it, lift the flaps, and feel the pages. It’s a beautifully designed book! One will learn that lazy homeowners get tricked by the Hobs, you might see Hobs in the “in-between” moments of noon and midnight or by looking through a keyhole, and a Hob’s favorite watching place is the rooftop among gables and gargoyles. This fantastic book is filled with stories, information, spells, and warnings... Wonderful stuff!"
— Melissa Taylor, Imagination Soup

"This cool book, meant to look old with vintage fonts, scrolls and shadowy art, explains everything anyone would want to know about hobgoblins, from the buttery spirits and clap cans who live in the kitchen, to the quirky wandering folk who frequented Shakespeare's friend Will Kemp's home. With tons of fascinating lore, foldout house plans and lots of other mini-books and pamphlets readers open, Berk's spellbinding book sends kids to a cozy, not-too-scary land where these hospitable but tricky little hobgoblins reside. Magical and otherworldly, "The Secret History of Hobgoblins" takes kids to an imaginary land that's irresistible."
— Lee Littlewood's Kids' Home Library

— Lee Littlewood's Kids' Home Library

YoungWriters.co.uk

[click to read the full review by a young reader and an interview with Ari Berk]

-- Kiss the Book

-- U.S. Kids

-- Post Tribune/Chicago Sun Times

-- Kiss the Book

-- U.S. Kids

-- Post Tribune/Chicago Sun TimesYoungWriters.co.uk [click here to read the full review by a young reader as well as an interview with Ari Berk]

"What I love about this book is the presentation, the pictures, snippets of info. and flaps make it so much fun to read... . This is a great book, engaging, interesting, fun, educational and a lovely addition to any bookcase, or "founte" as the Hearth Folk say."

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My Favorite Books [click to read full review]

"I think this Secret Histories book will sit well with enthusiasts of all ages. There is so much to think about, to make notes about, and to research, should you so wish, in this beautiful book that I think it's a boon to creative storytellers in classrooms and for those parents who are fond of telling their own bedtime stories to young folk."

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"Hobgoblins is a riot of folkloric fun. The perfect way to say 'hello home and hearth' if you've been having a spot of bother at home and can't think why. Hobgoblins, Brownies, Abbey Lubbers and others have their rights too, you know. Blissfully illustrated, fat and unctiously rich with lore to hold in hand..."

— Caitlin Matthews, author of The Storyworld Cards

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Dawn and Dusk, by Virginia Lee

A Lantern Spirit, by Douglas Carrel

Robin Goodfellow - Onstage and Off, by Virginia Lee

The Trophy at Heorot, by Alan Lee

A Few Words From The Author

Home is a holy thing. It always has been. The lore of the hearth and home has been a fascination of mine for a long time for it's the most homely kind of magic, the most essential and enduring. Just there, by the kitchen fire (or near the stove, or even by the electric kettle) or under the stairs, evidence of Hobgoblins may still be found, those secret folk with whom humans have shared their habitations since the earliest days.

The wonderful thing about Hobgoblin lore is that it still has so much say about living a peaceful life and about making a peaceful world. Kindness, consideration, and hospitality are key to good relations with hobgoblins and, generally speaking, everyone else. An open door, a glad greeting, and a warm seat by the fire ensures merry company.

Hobs know instinctively that asking "How may I help?" or "What do you need?" brings out the best in all folk. Hobgoblins know that just a little kindness, even the simplest gift left by the hearth in friendship, can make all the world kin. If we seek them out, if we listen to their stories, we may find wonders hidden all about us, even in the most common places.

So here is a little book with a big heart. It is my sincere wish that by writing this book, and sharing a bit of the Old Hobbish Lore, we may once again revel in the company of Our Good Neighbors and take joy in the simple pleasures of hearth and home.