Lewis Spence

Born in Scotland in 1874, Lewis Spence was a journalist, poet, folklorist, and prolific author whose work ranged across mythology, Scottish tradition, and the occult. He worked in journalism, including at The Scotsman, and became known for making complex mythic and esoteric subjects approachable for general readers.

He wrote widely on subjects such as Scottish folklore, ancient mythologies, Atlantis, and pre-Columbian civilizations. Among his best-known books are reference-style works on mythology and occultism, as well as studies of legends from Scotland and beyond. His writing helped keep older tales and belief systems in circulation for modern audiences.

Spence was also active in cultural and intellectual life in Scotland, serving as a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute and as vice-president of the Scottish Anthropological and Folklore Society. He died in 1955, but his books still attract readers interested in folklore, myth, and the stranger corners of literary history.