Monday, December 26, 2011

Merlin and the Grail Tradition

First publication of mine for 2012 is Merlin and the Grail Tradition -  available from 1st January.

Few figures from myth and legend have impressed the imagination like that of Merlin, Archmage of the land of Logres, whose shadowy, compelling presence plays a key part in the tales of Arthurian legend and the Quest of the Holy Grail. In this collection of essays I trace the historical importance and esoteric influence of Merlin and the Grail tradition from its mythological beginnings right down to modern times, including Dion Fortune's Grail work at Glastonbury, the Merlin archetypes, the "Elizabethan Merlin" Dr John Dee, the bluestones of Preseli which were used to build Stonehenge, and the connection between Merlin and Tolkien's figure of Gandalf.

First published at the turn of the millenium by Sun Chalice Books, this new edition contains three new topics The Faery Tradition in Arthurian Legend and a new analysis of Chretien de Troyes: the First Arthurian Romancer. Additionally an old manuscript has come to light on Sir Gareth: the Quest of a Round Table Knight, resurrected from a private lecture given to the Martinist Order in Paris in 1987.

For more details go to http://www.skylightpress.co.uk/ or your usual book supplier.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Gareth Knight and Magicfolk

As a change from scribbling books I have just made my debut doing voice overs for a couple of tracks on the new Magicfolk album, just out. My contribution appears quite appropriately on The Faery Ring and on Winged Bull. For more details or to buy a copy of this very evocative album go to http://www.magicfolk.co.uk/