IT could be argued that Michael Dacre is too modest regarding the title of his latest book.

Not that the mention of Folk Tales is in any way inaccurate — there are many in this well produced publication of almost 200 pages, a goodly number from West Devon, with none better known than the triumph of good over evil which ended with the completion of one of the most famous landmarks in the South West — Brentor Church.

The scope of this book is much wider, however, than the chronicling of just myth and legend; the supernatural is there.

Indeed, some of it is chilling, like the malevolence of the 'Hairy Hands' at Postbridge — deaths and general mayhem having been caused over the years by hirsute hands grabbing steering wheels of cars, even a coach, and forcing the vehicles off the roads.

Several chapters are devoted to tales of witches and the dark arts, whilst there are some cracking ghost stories, none better than one told by Dr E W Benson (who became archbishop of Canterbury and whose son, E F Benson, wrote the 'Mapp and Lucia' novels) regarding a haunted house in Dolton.

Pixies also feature, especially on and around Dartmoor, as do fairies, their capers recorded by the author in the same style as all his stories are penned, with directness and perception, without sentimentality or romantic illusion.

There is also throughout the book a very strong historical theme, with numerous sections based upon the actions of well known Devonshire folk.

None, of course, has a more famous name than Sir Francis Drake.

Michael Dacre writes a most intriguing chapter regarding the legendary 'Sea Dog', one that gives mention to many of the events which have made him such an imposing, and valiant character in the wide panorama of English history.

He imbues his tales of Drake with the mysticism which so many folk at the time visited upon the actions and triumphs of this great man.

Possibly the most lurid tales in the book concern the Fitz family of Tavistock, the gatehouse to whose long gone mansion still to be found in the town, coincidentally opposite Boehm's Statue commemorating Drake.

The lives of John and Mary Fitz, and their daughter, again Mary, would in this modern age, be chronicled constantly in the columns of the tabloid press.

Devon is a large rural county, with a rich miscellany of myth, legend, and history; to cover this complex area fairly, and satisfyingly in terms of relaying such lore, is a challenge indeed.

Michael Dacre has proved he is more than up to it.

'Devonshire Folk Tales' by Michael Dacre, is published by the History Press (ISBN 978-0-7524-5505-1), and is available in book shops priced at £9.99.