{"title":"Books by Mark Rees","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781398114876","title":"Paranormal Swansea and Gower","description":"\u003cp\u003eSwansea has long been a place of magic and mystery. Ruined castles with ghostly inhabitants dot the landscape, while the golden sands of Gower are steeped in Arthurian mythology and seafaring tales of smugglers and pirates. Yet it has also seen much upheaval and destruction, from the early Viking invaders to the Luftwaffe’s devastating ‘three-nights’ blitz’ during the Second World War. Paranormal Swansea and Gower takes the reader on a spine-chilling journey to dozens of supposedly haunted locations, ranging from well-known tourist destinations to more secluded spots off the beaten track, each with its own eerie tale to tell. These include the spirits of ancient soldiers who wage war on the beaches at dusk, the Gothic ruins guarded by the most terrifying of apparitions, the family home where the wraith of a murderer returned to haunt his former neighbours, the Swansea Devil, a ‘cursed’ work of art which lurks in the museum, and the workaholic miller who refuses to down tools at an historic watermill long after shuffling off this mortal coil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParanormal Swansea invites sceptics and believers alike to delve into these uncanny accounts of ghosts and spirits from across the city and county, guiding them through the mysterious and unknown. These tales of haunted places, supernatural happenings and weird phenomena will delight the ghost hunters, and fascinate and intrigue everybody who knows Swansea and Gower.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56297915056501,"sku":"9781398114876","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781398114876_06965fec-9101-4672-be8a-ee468370cb1f.jpg?v=1786017980"},{"product_id":"9780750984188","title":"Ghosts of Wales","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn the Victorian era, sensational ghost stories were headline news. \u003c\/b\u003eSpine-chilling reports of two-headed phantoms, murdered knights and spectral locomotives filled the pages of the press. Spirits communicated with the living at dark séances, forced terrified families to flee their homes and caused superstitious workers to down their tools at the haunted mines. This book contains more than fifty hair-raising – and in some cases, comical – real life accounts from Wales, dating from 1837 to 1901. Unearthed from newspaper archives, they include chilling prophecies from beyond the grave, poltergeists terrorising the industrial communities, and more than a few ingenious hoaxes along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56298730029429,"sku":"9780750984188","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780750984188_321b3cfe-1c80-4ea4-be5d-1c4bffa9e250.jpg?v=1786014507"},{"product_id":"9780750999724","title":"The Little Book of Welsh Culture","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eRichard Burton claimed that he would rather have played rugby for Wales at Cardiff Arms Park than Hamlet at the Old Vic.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal rivalries between choirs in the ‘land of song’ used to be so fierce that fights would break out following singing competitions.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoald Dahl was an RAF fighter pilot during the Second World War, and a near-death crash landing inspired his first published work.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Little Book of Welsh Culture\u003c\/em\u003e is a fast-paced, fact-filled journey through the cultural heritage of Wales, crammed full of myths, traditions and personalities.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExperience the country’s immense artistic legacy as never before, from the medieval legends surrounding King Arthur and The Mabinogion to its modern-day transformation into a thriving filming location for big-screen blockbusters. Discover the truth behind the ancient druidic rituals of the National Eisteddfod, separate the facts from the fiction that surround Dylan Thomas’ infamous lifestyle, and learn how Wales successfully regenerated the \u003cem\u003eDoctor Who\u003c\/em\u003e franchise – and unearth some fascinating secrets and hidden gems along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56298984833397,"sku":"9780750999724","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780750999724_f0a05de2-b9b5-42a7-856e-9fc10dcf3d23.jpg?v=1786014828"},{"product_id":"9780750990073","title":"The A-Z of Curious Wales","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWales' history is packed with peculiar customs and curious characters. \u003c\/b\u003eHere you will discover alien landscapes, ancient druids and a Victorian ghost hunter. Find out why revellers would carry a decorated horse’s skull on a pole door to door at Christmastime, how an eccentric inventor hoped to defeat Hitler with his futuristic ray gun, and why a cursed wall is protected by a global corporation for fear it might destroy a town. From the folklore surrounding the red dragon on the flag, to the evolution of the song ‘Sosban Fach’, this compendium of weird and wonderful facts will surprise and delight even the most knowledgeable resident or visitor.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56299309760885,"sku":"9780750990073","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780750990073_49f6abc1-b2c9-4194-9b33-109b5f6fb72b.jpg?v=1786014580"},{"product_id":"9781445697161","title":"Paranormal Wales","description":"Wales is said to be the most haunted country in the world. Restless spirits roam the ancient land, from the lofty peaks of Snowdonia to the dark depths of the abandoned mines. In Paranormal Wales author Mark Rees takes the reader on a spine-chilling journey to dozens of these locations, which include well-known tourist landmarks and more secluded spots well off the beaten track.These accounts of disembodied voices, supernatural mists and pesky poltergeists range from centuries-old legends to modern-day sightings. Visit the ‘oldest pub’ in Wales, where more than 180 people are claimed to have been sentenced to death by hanging. Explore the majestic opera house built by a world-famous soprano, who some say continues to perform on her beloved stage from beyond the grave. Spend the night in a seemingly idyllic manor house, where the presence of a Victorian housekeeper is said to reduce unsuspecting guests to tears. Or step back in time at one of the many ivy-strewn castles, where ladies in white patrol the Gothic battlements as tortured screams ring out from the dungeons below.Some of these stories might be familiar, others less so, but they all have one thing in common – they will make you think twice about turning off the light at night. Illustrated throughout, Paranormal Wales will be of spine-tingling interest to those wanting to discover more about the country’s haunted and hidden heritage.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312395334005,"sku":"9781445697161","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781445697161_11c160fc-07f3-4121-bf99-37109d8c32e9.jpg?v=1786020685"},{"product_id":"9781803998602","title":"The Little Book of Welsh Landmarks","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe Wales Coast Path is the only continuous footpath in the world that runs the entire length of a country’s coastline, a staggering 870 miles.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWales is home to the largest concentration of medieval castles in the UK, with four iconic castles – Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech and Beaumaris – designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSt Davids, home to an awe-inspiring cathedral surrounded by Pembrokeshire’s rugged coastal beauty, is Britain’s smallest city.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLaugharne, with its stunning views of the Tâf Estuary, inspired Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, written in his iconic Boathouse and Writing Shed.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the towering peaks of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) to the stunning Wales Coast Path, this captivating guide takes you on a fact-filled journey through Wales’s most iconic landmarks.\u003c\/strong\u003e Discover the country’s rich history at breathtaking World Heritage Sites, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, legendary castles and sacred cathedrals. Step into the world of Welsh folklore as you explore secluded beaches, mystical rivers, and ancient landscapes tied to the myths of King Arthur, the Mabinogion, and other timeless tales.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re exploring Cymru for the first time or rediscovering its wonders, this handy book offers fascinating insights into its culture, heritage, and the secrets woven into its legends.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312964481397,"sku":"9781803998602","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781803998602_cccc68b9-610d-40aa-8de0-c42a59cdff64.jpg?v=1786027413"},{"product_id":"9781398122413","title":"Quirky Cardiff","description":"\u003cp\u003eBehind Cardiff’s familiar landmarks lies another city: one of lost chapels, ghostly legends, hidden treasures and secret passageways. Quirky Cardiff uncovers these stories, celebrating the people and places that make the city so unmistakably Cardiffian.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStep inside the lavish fairy-tale chamber created for Sleeping Beauty; meet Captain Morgan, the real-life pirate of the Caribbean; and explore the childhood worlds of Roald Dahl and Shirley Bassey. The city has an uncanny edge too: Daleks roaming the streets, mischievous poltergeists, and even a UFO sighting dubbed the Welsh Roswell. These are the oddities, scandals and surprises that rarely appear in the guidebooks but have shaped Cardiff’s character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom legendary pubs and striking street art to the roar of the stadium on match days, every alley and avenue brims with stories. And, of course, no tale of Cardiff would be complete without a late-night stop on Chippy Lane. Funny, eerie and surprising in equal measure, Quirky Cardiff lifts the lid on the hidden side of Wales’s bustling capital.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56368751608181,"sku":"9781398122413","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781398122413_17217d82-f4a4-43e2-8051-37c26648ef3f.jpg?v=1786018260"},{"product_id":"quirky-swansea","title":"Quirky Swansea","description":"\u003cp\u003eBehind Swansea’s familiar streets and sweeping bay lies another city: one of heroic dogs, vanished chapels, haunted pubs, and seaside legends. Quirky Swansea uncovers the stories that give this city its distinctive character, celebrating the people, places and moments that make Abertawe unlike anywhere else. From roaring rugby and football stadiums, beloved local food, seafront promenades, and iconic landmarks, every corner of Swansea brims with life and history. Step inside Gower’s ancient painted caves, meet the fighter ace who outwitted the Nazis, and uncover the hidden feats of trailblazing women, explorers, and musicians. The city also has its uncanny side: the skull-headed Mari Lwyd that parades through winter streets, the cursed Swansea Devil statue that watches over bombed ruins, and fairy folk that dance on moonlit hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuirky Swansea lifts the lid on the hidden stories of a city shaped by the sea, its people, and a proud tradition of doing things its own way.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57483387994485,"sku":"9781398122437","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781398122437.jpg?v=1786178534"},{"product_id":"a-dark-history-of-cardiff","title":"A Dark History of Cardiff","description":"\u003cp\u003eCardiff’s history isn’t all modern development and gleaming waterfronts. Beneath its bustling streets lies a darker past, filled with tales of crime, punishment, superstition, and suffering. A Dark History Cardiff uncovers the city’s more sinister side, from the horrors of Victorian workhouses to the grim legacy of the city’s prisons and the Bute family’s haunted buildings. The rise of Cardiff as a coal and steel powerhouse came at a great cost, with miners enduring brutal conditions and untold tragedies. Plague and disease ravaged the city, leaving a legacy of fear and desperation. But it’s not just the old industries that cast a shadow over Cardiff – it’s the eerie stories that still haunt its streets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book is a journey through the city’s dark past, exploring its criminal underworld, mysterious disappearances, and the chilling tales of those who lived – and died – in its darkest corners. Along the way, you’ll find places where the past is still very much alive, from its notorious asylums to its crumbling castles. Step into Cardiff’s shadowy history and discover a side of the city you may never have imagined.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57503803670901,"sku":"9781398131088","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781398131088.jpg?v=1786867514"},{"product_id":"halloween-in-britain-and-ireland","title":"Halloween in Britain and Ireland","description":"\u003cp\u003eHalloween is the night when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest — a time of ghosts, disguises, bonfires and mischief. Now bigger than ever in Britain and Ireland, Halloween is a billion-pound industry drawing crowds to parades in Derry, fiery celebrations in Edinburgh and scare-fests at Alton Towers. From harvest lanterns to theme-park mazes, the festival has never felt more alive. 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Illustrated with evocative photographs and postcards — from vintage family celebrations to contemporary festival scenes and the very landscapes where these traditions took root — the book shines a light on a hidden history long shrouded in the mist of time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57680143384949,"sku":"9781398134607","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781398134607.jpg?v=1792423262"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-mark-rees.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}