The White Wolf and Other Fireside Tales

"The White Wolf and Other Fireside Tales" by Arthur Quiller-Couch is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology presents a mix of fantastical, historical, and adventure tales, taking readers on journeys that range from the icy stretches of Greenland to the enchanted realm of Dartmoor. The opening story features Snorri Gamlason, a merchant whose perilous journey reveals undiscovered wonders, hinting at themes of survival, mystery, and the confrontation of the unknown. The opening of the collection introduces us to Snorri Gamlason as he arrives in Greenland in 1358, bringing provisions to Christian settlements. After an incredibly tumultuous sea voyage through fog and ice, he discovers a ghostly ship trapped in the ice, where he encounters frozen corpses of a man and a beautiful woman. Snorri's adventure is filled with elements of suspense and eerie discovery, with an emphasis on the miraculous, as it is later revealed that a tale of divine intervention accompanies the girl’s story. These elements lay the foundation for the collection, promising readers a rich tapestry of narrative that combines adventure, history, and a dash of the supernatural. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch was a British writer who published using the pseudonym Q. Although a prolific novelist, he is remembered mainly for the monumental publication The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900 and for his literary criticism. He influenced many who never met him, including American writer Helene Hanff, author of 84, Charing Cross Road and its sequel, Q's Legacy. His The Oxford Book of English Verse was a favourite of John Mortimer's fictional character Horace Rumpole.