This is an ever-expanding list of prose adaptations of the ballad of Tam Lin. I have made it as complete as possible, including all of the versions I know of, even when I dislike them. If I've read it, there will probably be some kind of note next to it pertaining to what I thought. All of these books come recommended by *someone* or another, so don't be afraid to read books that I disliked.
“Cotillion” by Delia Sherman- a short story from the collection Firebirds. Tam Lin set in Manhattan in 1969.
Earthly Knight, An by Janet McNaughton- predictable. Stays very true to the ballad, as one would expect from an author with a PhD in folklore. This book was written for children (think fifth, sixth grade) yet includes a sex scene. Thank you, Dr. McNaughton.
Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones- I used to hate this book, and then I re-read it for my Tam Lin humanities project, and I couldn’t figure out why I had so completely despised it. A very interesting take on the story in 1970s/1980s London.
Freedom and Necessity by Stephen Brust and Emma Bull- set in the 19th century America. I haven’t read it.
“Hold Me Fast, Don’t Let Me Pass” by Alice Munro- short story from the book Friend of My Youth. Not an adaptation, but it uses the ballad of Tam Lin as a recurring theme.
Missing Angel Juan by Francesca Lia Black- Block doesn’t call it a Tam Lin adaptation, but the story is jaw-droppingly similar. A social outcast goes from L.A. to New York in search of her true love, who has gone missing.
Never Let Go by Geraldine McCaughrea- This book is out-of-print, and the only copy available at Amazon is over $100.
Perilous Gard, The by Elizabeth Marie Pope- Tam Lin set in Elizabethan England. Haven’t read this one.
Queen of Spells, The by Dahlov Ipcar
Red Shift by Alan Garner- he says it’s based on Tam Lin, but there’s some scholarly debate about it. Haven’t read this one.
Silverlock by John Myers Myers- this book isn't exactly a Tam Lin adaptation, but Tam Lin, Janet, and the Fairy Queen make a semi-important cameo, and the titular character winds up as the Queen's lover for awhile. We don't see much of the king of the fairies, but he's a very impressive guy.
Tam Lin by Susan Cooper- a picture book. Good for kids, but will probably bore and annoy long-time fans…it’s very clean.
Tam Lin by Pamela Dean- Tam Lin set at a liberal arts college in the Midwest. Tends to focus more on Janet’s college experience than on the story of Tam Lin. A solid and engaging adaptation.
Tam Lin by Jane Yolen- an excellent picture book.
Thursday by Catherine Storr- Tam Lin set in London again. Haven’t read this one.
Tithe by Holly Black- Tam Lin set in modern New Jersey, with some interesting role reversals, a war between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, and a gay Thomas the Rhymer-type figure.
Winter Rose by Patricia McKillip- a fine novel and an excellent retelling. Not your traditional lover-saves-lover story, with a very theatrical and intriguing rescue scene.
As you can see, there are several of these books that I haven’t read. If you have read them, you’re welcome to submit a few words about them. Even better, you can lone me the book, or give me the book as a present…I love presents. I’m slowly accumulating a Tam Lin library, which at the moment consists of Tam Lin by Pamela Dean, Tithe by Holly Black, An Earthly Knight by Janet McNaughton, Winter Rose by Patricia McKillip, and Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, as well as a videotape of Roddy McDowall’s movie adaptation.
The Music of Tam Lin
Tam Lin on the Screen
Other Books of Interest
Other Music or Ballads of Interest
Other Movies of Interest
Art of Interest