The Green Man: Myth and Reality

The ‘green man’, or foliate head, can be found in almost every pre-Reformation cathedral and in many churches. It often decorates arches, corbels, roof bosses, choir stalls and chancel screens. The foliate head was depicted in a variety of ways, some beautiful and some grotesque, and imbued with much religious symbolism. In this book, Imogen Corrigan takes the reader on a journey of discovery, revealing the different types of foliate head and their contexts. Their origins in folklore and Christian tradition are explored, taking in pagan beliefs and fertility rites, often accompanied by dragons and other monsters. Featuring a range of illustrations showing different styles of foliate head in a wide variety of cathedrals and churches, this book is an essential companion for those who visit sacred places, whether for spiritual, architectural or historical reasons.