First published in 1887 and regarded by the author as his finest work, Red Spider draws on Sabine Baring-Gould's fascination with rural life, folklore, and mythology. According to popular superstition, the red spider has the power to spin money in the pocket of the person who secures its services. When Hillary Nanspian squashes such a spider, there are immense consequences for his relationship with his late wife’s brother, Taverner Langford, and for the very life of their rural part of Devonshire: thus it was that the friendship of twenty-two years was broken, and the brothers-in-law became declared and deadly enemies. For “Red Spider” is also the affectionate nickname of Honor Luxmore, the heroine of the novel who earned her title through frugality and the red cloak she wears. An admirable young woman, she cares for her widower father, a humble carrier who barely earns enough to support the large family, and looks after her younger siblings. It is she who is in love with Hillary Nanspian’s son—and it is she who Taverner Langford determines to marry. Through his masterly study of human relationships, with vividly painted characters and an intricate plot, Baring-Gould draws the reader into a fantastical world of country lore which has long since passed from view.