Books by Julia Cresswell

An absorbing A-Z which explores the origins and development of over 3,000 words in the English language. Drawing on Oxford's unrivalled dictionary research programme and language monitoring it brings to light the intriguing and often unusual stories of some of our most used words and phrases.

Outlines and investigates the legendary beasts of Britain, including famous examples such as St George's dragon alongside more local traditions such as the Laidly Worm, a princess turned by an evil stepmother into a monster that terrorised the countryside.

Explores the myths and legends of the great king Charlemagne, from the stories about his mother, Bertha Bigfoot, and his youthful adventures with the thief, Basin, to his fantastical journeys to Jerusalem and Constantinople. This book retells the stories of his most famous knights, the Paladins.

An indispensable guide to 10,000 first names