The new book from Sarah Clegg, releasing October 2026
Perilous Enchantment
The True History of Faeries
We often think of them as tiny, glittering creatures fluttering about in pastel tulle, but fairies haven’t always been so benign. Here, historian Sarah Clegg explores the true history of fairies, and the menace and ambiguity that always lurks within the shimmering fantasy.
This history takes us from elf fires in Iceland to a burial mound in Ireland; and from a stream in Cottingley where two sisters created a fairy hoax to a modern-day fairy ball in Los Angeles. Along the way, Clegg reveals fairies’ connection to ancient gods and their role in the witch-trials, and examines their seductive presence in romantasy today. This is a story of how fairy myths grew and spread across Europe, of how they changed and developed, and why we have, for centuries, been so enthralled by the danger and enchantment of the fae.
Dr. Sarah Clegg
Sarah Clegg is a Sunday Times bestselling author on the history of folklore. Her most recent book, The Dead of Winter, traced the origins and changing lore of the dark side of Christmas. Sarah has a PhD in ancient history from the University of Cambridge and works in publishing.
About Sarah Clegg
Sarah Clegg is a Sunday Times bestselling author on the history of folklore. Her most recent book, The Dead of Winter, traced the origins and changing lore of the dark side of Christmas.
She has written for publications including The Guardian and History Today, has appeared on numerous podcasts, including Betwixt the Sheets, History Hit The Ancients and The Three Ravens, and has spoken a literary festivals including Hay and Cambridge Literary Festival. Sarah has a PhD in ancient history from the University of Cambridge and works in publishing.
