[2nd English language edition]. xii, 706pp. In later binding of red cloth-covered boards with gilt lettering on the spine. 8vo. Boards are a little marked, and a little rubbed around the head of the spine. Text block edges toned. Internally a little browning in margins of first and last few leaves, the very occasional faint spot, smudging on title page, else internally neat and clean. Firm, robust binding.
Translated into English from Rydberg's original German, an examination of the myths, legends, folklore and belief systems, including Ancient Aryan myths and medieval sagas, of the Germanic peoples. Rydberg (1828-1895) was a Swedish writer. Generally considered one of Sweden's foremost novelists, in his later years he came to concentrate on the study of myths and legends. His work in this area is controversial, some considering it ingenious, others have seen it as extreme and speculative. Very hard to find in original editions.