Legends about sea people – part human, part fish – have been told across the world since ancient times. Now the best of these stories are brought together in one entrancing volume.

Early maps carried illustrations of mermaids alongside monsters, signalling both the allure and the danger of uncharted seas. The far-reaching historical and cultural significance of mermaids and their kin is reflected in the myriad stories about them.

Odysseus at sea must resist the sirens’ song. There are sea serpents from North America and selkies from Scotland. And from shores across the globe, humble fishermen and princes alike fall in love with mermaids in stories from Germany to Japan by way of Denmark with the famous story of The Little Mermaid.

Mermaids, Sirens and Selkies: Myths and Legends is part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, pocket-sized classics bound in real cloth with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover.

For more myths from Jean Menzies, Fairies, Elves and Sprites is also available.

Jean Menzies holds a PhD in ancient history and is a prize-winning author and anthologist. She has published several books for children including Greek Myths and Egyptian Myths, as well as Live Like a Goddess for teens. She’s a contributor to the Inklings series, her anthologies include various volumes of mythology for Macmillan Collector’s Library, and she publishes adult fiction. A classics enthusiast through and through, Jean produces the podcast That’s Ancient History, which explores antiquity, from its history to its place in today’s world, and she hosts her long-running YouTube channel Jean’s Thoughts.