Hobberdy Dick

K. M. Briggs (author)

Penguin Books, UK: 1955; 208pp

ISBN: 0140305513

Genres: classics, fantasy, folktales

Issues: change, loyalty, values

A hobgoblin who is bonded to Widford Manor and all who occupy it, Hobberdy Dick dislikes his new people.They are city folk who have no knowledge of the rules that govern country life and the magical world that impinges on their own. Only the old farmhands make sure that Dick is looked after, and he looks after them.

Dick wouldn't do anything for the unloving Puritan family, if it weren't for the fact that Anne Seckar, penniless cousin to the Culver family who previously occupied the house. Anne and Joel, the Puritan's son, who loves the old country ways, convince Dick that there is hope for the future. It is because they are prepared to listen that Hobberdy Dick is able to save young Martha from the witch's spell and eventually gain his own freedom.

 The detailed and convincing descriptions of various magical folk and the country traditions that survived so long make this an exciting read for young fantasy lovers. The fact that K.M. Briggs is a recognised scholar of folk lore shines through every dark and mysterious chapter of Hobberdy Dick.