Dr JACQUELINE SIMPSON is one of Britain's most distinguished folklorists and Old Norse scholars. She studied English Literature and Old Icelandic at London University, and later became interested in Scandinavian and British folklore, on which she has written numerous books and articles. Her books include Icelandic Folktales and Legends (1972, 2004), The Folklore of Sussex (1973, 2002), British Dragons (1980, 2001), Scandinavian Folktales (1988), The Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore (2000, in collaboration with Steve Roud), The Lore of the Land: A Guide to England's Legends (2005, in collaboration with Jennifer Westwood), and The Folklore of Discworld (2008, in collaboration with Terry Pratchett). She has served on the Committee of the Folklore Society since 1966, holding office at various times as Editor of Folklore, as Secretary, and as President.

MAGNUS MAGNUSSON, the well-known television brodcaster, was an Icelandic national who spent most of his life in Scotland. Closely associated with history and archaeology throughout his career, he presented many programs on BBC TV, including Chronicle, Mastermind, and a 12-part series Vikings! He has published more than 20 books and wrote and presented many historical documentaries for television and radio.