Lud-in-the-Mist

Lud-in-the-Mist, published in 1926, is a fantasy novel by Hope Mirrlees that blends pastoral charm with political and metaphysical depth. Set in the fictional town of Lud-in-the-Mist, the story follows Mayor Nathaniel Chanticleer as he confronts the forbidden influence of fairy fruit and hidden magic. Mirrlees uses fantasy to explore repression, myth, and the unconscious. With lyrical prose and psychological complexity, the novel is considered a precursor to modern fantasy and has influenced authors like Neil Gaiman.