Tam Lin

MYTHOPOEIC AWARD FINALIST • A masterfully told tale that will transport you to a world where ancient legends meet modern life—with an introduction by the book's original editor, Terri Windling.

“Vividly portrays a classic tale of love that spans the border between the worlds.”—Library Journal

“Delightful . . . Dean has written a quintessential college novel, anchoring its fantastic elements in a solid, engaging reality.”—Publishers Weekly

I forbid ye maidens all
that wear gold in your hair
to travel to Carterhaugh
for young Tam Lin is there . . .

So begins the ancient Scottish ballad “Tam Lin,” about the headstrong Janet who defies Tam Lin to walk in her own land of Carterhaugh . . . and then must battle the Queen of Faery herself for possession of her lover's body and soul.

In this version of “Tam Lin,” masterfully crafted by Pamela Dean, Janet is a college student, “Carterhaugh” is Carter Hall at the university where her father teaches, and Tam Lin is a boy named Thomas Lane. Set against the backdrop of the early 1970s, imbued with wit, poetry, romance, and magic, Tam Lin has become a cult classic—and once you begin reading, you'll know why.