Finding Albion: Myth, Folklore and the Quest for a Hidden Britain with Zakia Sewell

'I've been waiting for a book like this' Florence Welch

Traversing the length and breadth of our island from Somerset to Scotland, Zakia Sewell seeks a story that lies beyond divisive national myths and symbols. Finding Albion brings a new perspective of Britain from the shadows, giving us a deeper understanding of who we are as a people, and heralding the promise of a brighter future.

The author uncovers otherworldly folk songs, ancient legends, Celtic seasonal rites, and mystic stone circles, which punctuate our landscape. Her journey begins as the sun rises on the spring equinox over Glastonbury Tor, where she meets neopagans reclaiming traditions from our pre-Christian past.

At summer's peak at Notting Hill Carnival she hears cultural echoes that passed along the slave trade routes from the Caribbean. On All Hallow's Eve she encounters the ghosts of Empire that are still haunting the nation, and in the depths of a Cornish winter she asks if today's new folk revival could unite our increasingly divided country.

'Finding Albion is a vital quest for more authentic stories of Britain' Caroline Lucas

Zakia Sewell is a writer, DJ and broadcaster. She hosts Dream Time on BBC Radio 6 Music. For the past eight years she has been producing and presenting radio documentaries and podcasts for platforms such as BBC Radio 3 and 4, Tate and Camden Art Centre. Her acclaimed four-part Radio 4 series My Albion (2020) was an inspiration for this book. She regularly gives talks and her writing has appeared in publications including Tate Etc., Resident Advisor and Weird Walk.