Jacqueline Simpson

Dr. Jacqueline Simpson is a distinguished British researcher and author specializing in folklore and legend. With a background in English Literature and Medieval Icelandic studies from Bedford College, University of London, she has authored and co-authored numerous works, including collections of local legends from Iceland, Scandinavia, and England. Her collaboration with Jennifer Westwood produced notable regional folklore studies, and she co-wrote "The Penguin Dictionary of English Folklore" with Steve Roud. Simpson's expertise has made her a respected figure in her field, earning her the Folklore Society's Coote Lake Research Medal in 2008.

Simpson's career has been marked by her focus on regional narratives, distinguishing her work from broader studies of international fairy tales. Her scholarly contributions extend beyond writing, as she has held key roles within the Folklore Society, including Editor, Secretary, and President. In 2010, she was appointed Visiting Professor of Folklore at the Sussex Centre of Folklore, Fairy Tales and Fantasy at the University of Chichester. Her influence even reached popular culture, as her encounter with Terry Pratchett led to a professional collaboration, highlighting her deep knowledge of folklore traditions. Simpson continues to reside in West Sussex, England, where she remains an active figure in folklore research.