EXPLORE THE SPOOKY TRUTH BEHIND SCOOBY-DOO IN A
NEW BOOK FROM AN ACCLAIMED FOLKLORE EXPERT
A FASCINATING STUDY OF THE MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKLORE THAT
INSPIRED THE CLASSIC CARTOON
WRITTEN BY FOLKLORIST AND PODCASTER MARK NORMAN
PUBLISHING FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH 2024. PRE-ORDER HERE.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chinbeard Books and Oak Tree Books are pleased to reveal ‘Zoinks!: The Spooky Folklore Behind Scooby Doo’; a new book by author Mark Norman. A renowned folklore expert and host of the popular ‘Folklore Podcast’, Norman is known for exploring myths and traditions transferred through generations by folk stories.
Published on Friday the 13th (scary!) of September — the 55th anniversary of the debut of the first episode of Scooby-Doo — ‘Zoinks!’ presents folklore through the lens of the classic capers of Scooby-Doo, one of the most recognized and best-loved cartoon characters in the world, sharing the chilling and mystifying origins of some of the show’s popular villains.
“Scooby-Doo has drawn heavily on real-world myths, legends, and folklore from cultures around the world,” says author Mark Norman. “It’s also had a massive influence on popular culture and generated more than a few urban myths.”
‘Zoinks!: The Spooky Folklore Behind Scooby Doo’ is set to be released in limited edition hardback, available exclusively from AUK Direct. Those who pre-order will receive a pack of 10 exclusive illustrated ‘Zoinks!’ art cards — including the cover artwork by Robert Hammond (with the 9 inner illustrations presented in a Hanna-Barbera style by illustrator Rhi Wynter).
Synopsis
Mystery Incorporated– Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo– have been investigating supernatural events for over fifty years and, in that time, there has never been a serious study into the make-up of Scooby-Doo … until now.
In this groundbreaking book, extensively researched and written with input from a number of the animated show’s writers and producers, folklorist and author Mark Norman– creator of the popular multi-million downloaded show The Folklore Podcast– investigates the actual folklore behind all of your favourite Scooby-Doo episodes.
And even some featuring Scrappy too.
How has the show drawn on real-world folklore in its representations of ghosts, witches, monsters and more? It’s time to pull off the mask and reveal the truth behind the fiction.
The author of many books on folklore, ‘Zoinks!’ is the first time Mark Norman has combined his knowledge with popular culture. “Despite having such a massive catalogue of material, there has never been a serious study into the make-up of Scooby-Doo,” says the author.
That is until now.
Barnaby Eaton-Jones, who commissioned the book, writes: “I run Chinbeard Books and there’s more of an air of Shaggy about my look, though I’ve yet to attain a dog who talks to me and jumps into my arms at the slightest moment of terror. I couldn’t resist Mark Norman’s pitch for this book, which was like someone at University, hopped up on Scooby Snacks, saying ‘Hey, man! Like, here’s my idea for my final dissertation!” and getting it accepted.”
He continues: “I’ve been a fan of Mystery Incorporated since I was young and fell in love with it all over again when ‘Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!’ came out in 2015. I’ve also been a fan of spotting the real-life folklore behind some of the stories and villains, and how the Scooby Gang riff off that. Mark Norman has provided a valuable- and amusing- resource, by linking the legendary to the legends that are Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo.”
‘Zoinks!: The Spooky Folklore Behind Scooby Doo’ will be published on Friday the 13th of September and available exclusively from AUK Direct as a limited edition hardback (with an exclusive pack of 10 art cards per book).
About Mark Norman
Mark Norman is a popular author and folklorist. Mark is the creator of The Folklore Podcast, one of the most respected shows in its genre, ranked in the top 0.5% of shows worldwide for listener figures and with approaching 2 million downloads across 9 seasons.
About Oak Tree Books
Since the year 2000, Oak Tree Books — Andrews UK’s premium imprint — has all new high-quality titles, covering a range of genres from biographies, fantasy, horror and so much more! We also publish or re-publish often beloved books of characters and brands from to 70s and 80s for that nostalgic feel everyone adores.
About Chinbeard Books
Chinbeard Books is a small publisher with big ideas. This small but award-winning company mainly focuses on heritage properties, or new books or graphic novels that are a little quirky and might not find a home elsewhere. Chinbeard currently holds the literary licenses for Robin of Sherwood, The Goodies, and The Tomorrow People, with more on the near horizon. They are partnered with Oak
Tree Books on all bigger publishing projects.
