A collection of books that I've come across over time, that have made reference to harps, harpers or harpists. It is not a definitive list by any means ~ merely a personal account of what I've read!

Patricia McKillip

• The Riddle-Master of Hed
• Heir of Sea and Fire
• Harpist in the Wind

I first read these books in the very early 80's ~ in fact my copies are dated '79. I re-read them in 2004, unfortunately they didn't stand up to my recollections. I have to agree with an online critic who mentioned that the main character doesn't seem terribly clever; is more of a historian than a riddle breaker; and really can't see the wood for the trees! Having said all this, it is an interesting read and one of the definitive fantasy harp books.

See here for someone else's opinion
Click on the image to go straight to Amazon to order the newly published all-in-one trilogy!

Charles de Lint

This man is a must for anyone who likes fantasy/pagan/shamanic/folk writing. And pretty much anything in between too! Several of his books mention harps, including . .

• The Harp of the Grey Rose
  An early book (this author is prolific) that explores the idea of self, family, relationships and heritage. I love the idea that you could build a harp in a night, whilst under attack . . . only in the world of fantasy!
  Click to order
  
  
• Wolf Moon
  A great idea ~ werewolves who are good and harpists who are bad.
  Click to order
  
  
• Into the Green
  Fey harps and magic, and a very strong female lead. I do like that! Oh, and musical scores in the back of the book so that you can play along . . .
  Click to order
  
  
• Tapping the Dream Tree
  A collection of short stories ~ with some that include a few old friends . . .
  Click to order
  
  
• Triskell Tales
  A collection of short stories, poems and the occasional musical score that span 22 years. And almost all of them are based around Meran of the Oak Wood and Cerin, her harper husband.
  Click to order

Click here to go to see the authors website

Collections

• A Harp of Fishbones - Folktales of the Harp
  Compiled by Russell Walton

This is one of those wonderful little books that has a ton of short stories, thoughts and snippets from the history and folk traditions of the harp. It spans the gossip of the blind Irish harpers to the traditional Fey stories of the instrument. A must for anyone's collection.

Click here to order a copy (Not through Amazon)