Patron: Professor Ronald Hutton
.jpg)
Cover image: 'Roots', painting by Silvia Pavlova
BEYOND NINE FORESTS
Tales of Hidden Bulgaria
Questions and answers!
What does the title of your book, ‘Beyond Nine Forests,’ mean?
The title is based on a classic phrase in Bulgarian myth and folklore, “Beyond nine green forests” or “Beyond nine forests to the tenth.” Essentially, it means a magical faraway land, for that’s where the book takes you.
What is the book about?
First and foremost, it is a stunning collection of over 50 extraordinary Bulgarian traditional tales for adults. It includes little-known Bulgarian folk tales, myths, legends and heroic epics that take you on a thrilling journey through human experience.
It draws you into a hidden world of seductive shape-shifting dragons; wild nature nymphs who ride stags and hunt with bow and arrows; flawed epic heroes; humans that shape-shift into animals; tales of angels and demons and vengeful vampires that are unlike those in Hollywood.
These stories are rich in symbolism and metaphor, and the book explores their roots in Bulgaria’s folklore and ancestral mythologies going back to ancient Thracian times to uncover their deeper meanings.
Is the book illustrated?
Yes! The book features beautiful full-colour artwork from some of Bulgaria’s finest artists. It also includes selected photographs of archaeological artefacts and folk traditions relevant to specific story themes.
Are the stories suitable for children?
The book is aimed at adults. Some stories are suitable for older children but many are not, or require adult guidance because of their content.
Does the book contain sex and violence?
Some stories contain an element of sex and violence, set within a mythic context. Sexual elements are implied but not described. Violence is rare, mostly symbolic and not luridly gory.
Where can I buy the book?
The book is available to order worldwide in both hardback and e-book formats. In the UK you can order the hardback online, or from your favourite local bookshop. If you live outside the UK, it is available to order online from most countries, or from Blackwell's who offer free delivery, or from Libristo (specify your country).
ISBN - 9781919509808 (hardback)
Also available as an e-book
Why Paraskeva Publishing?
Paraskeva is the name of Moni's mum, and it's the name we chose as the publisher.
Image: Moni Georgieva Sheehan
.jpg)
Paraskeva Georgieva Stefanova was a native Bulgarian who married an Englishman and came to live in the UK. Moni Georgieva Sheehan is her daughter.
Paraskeva translated most of the stories upon which 'Beyond Nine Forests' is based, into English. It was not an easy task for many of the texts were written in difficult old and dialect Bulgarian. She wrote the translations out laboriously by hand - pioneering work, for most of the tales were unknown in the West.
'Beyond Nine Forests' is dedicated to Paraskeva. Sadly she did not live to see the book's publication. She left this world in 2022.
What do other people say about the book?
BOOK REVIEWS
Ben Haggarty, Artistic Director, The Crick Crack Club
“Mindblowingly fabulous!...This is a book bursting with deeply researched, fully lived and utterly heart felt knowledge. The retellings make exemplary texts. There is an assured, organic, strongly rooted rhythm in the use of words. And, in terms of content and plot, the stories - long or short, heavy or light - are all deeply satisfying."
Dimana Trankova, Vagabond, Bulgaria's English Magazine
Review link on Vagabond
A mesmerising read, you will find it hard to put down! Shapeshifting children, amorous dragons, dangerous nymphs who ride deer and wear rainbows for belts, doomed heroes who can overcome any obstacle but their own death…
On the surface the tales are moving and strange. Deep beneath the entertaining and emotional level, however, runs an older current – coded memories of millennia-old traditions and beliefs of the Bulgarians, and of the peoples who lived in these lands before and alongside them. This is a fascinating collection of stories entirely new to the English-speaking reader – an eye-opener for anyone seeking to expand their horizons.
Csenge Virag Zalka, International Storyteller and Author
A truly magical read that I have been waiting for forever.
This book has everything that makes a folktale collection excellent.
All in all, this book is a master class of storytelling, research, and keeping tradition alive. Highly recommended!
Nikolai Vukov, Assoc. Professor, Institute of Ethnology & Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum, BAS (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences)
Elegantly written and accompanied by evocative artwork, the book alternates dark and deeply-poignant stories with humorous and light-hearted episodes. At a time when there is a growing thirst for esoteric knowledge and curious traditions, diving into this book will be an unforgettable adventure for all readers."
Dessislava Stefanova, Leader of The London Bulgarian Choir
What a beautiful book! This is a book to treasure for a lifetime, one that will speak to the heart, mind and soul of everyone who reads it.
A Spell In Time British-Bulgarian storytelling company
“Ancient tales from the heart of Bulgarian myth and folklore...
A spellbinding mix of traditional storytelling, fascinating folklore and evocative music”