Before Merlin was a wizard, he was a wild man, a prophet, a poet, a shaman—and perhaps something stranger still.Few figures in Western mythology have proved as enduring or as mysterious as Merlin. From the haunted forests of early Celtic tradition to the court of King Arthur, from medieval prophecy and Renaissance magic to Victorian poetry and modern fantasy, the great enchanter has continually changed his shape—while somehow remaining unmistakably himself....

Capturing the electric short fiction energy that led Robert E. Howard to be one of the top fantasy writers of the century, with exclusive serialized eBook stories starring Conan, Solomon Kane, and more by many of today’s top writers in fantasy and sword-and-sorcery.A search for Roman gold leads Cormac Mac Art and Wulfhere the Skull-Splitter to the Isle of Swords. Before they reach the shore, a shipwreck kills their entire crew and strands the duo on the cursed isla...

Three Hundred Warriors. One Survivor. An Ancient Song of Glory and Loss.One of Britain's oldest epic poems returns in this vivid and haunting new poetic version. The Gododdin is a song of courage and catastrophe—a lament for three hundred warriors who rode out from the Old North to face overwhelming odds at the Battle of Catraeth, and never returned. Attributed to the early medieval bard Aneirin, this stark and beautiful work stands alongside Beowulf

What if the Grail is not only a relic of legend—but a path of transformation?For centuries the Holy Grail has haunted the imagination of poets, mystics, and seekers. It has been called a cup, a stone, a cauldron of ancient power, even a mystery hidden within the human soul. But behind the legend lies a deeper story—one of spiritual challenge, inner healing, and the timeless quest for meaning.In The Gifts of the Grail, renowned Arthurian scholar Joh...

A first full-length collection by one of the world's leading experts on myth and legend, especially those of King Arthur and the Celts. The author of over 100 books on these and other themes, John Matthews here shows that myth has always been a central part of his life. The works published here, many for the first time, date from the 1980s to the present, and cross into many realms and fields of otherworldly grace.JOHN MATTHEWS is an independent scholar, poet and author living in O...

Voyages with the Celtic Saints recounts the inspired lives of the Celtic saints, who carried the torch of the new faith of Christianity to the wild tribespeople of Britain and Ireland. Finding many parallels between their own wisdom and that of the Druids and other teachers of the Celtic people, they adapted their own teachings to include and reshape that of the older wisdom.• Features stories from the lives of 14 inspiring Celtic saints who lived between the third and seve...

Contemporary American Literature by John Matthews Manly is a comprehensive survey of American literature at the turn of the 20th century, focusing on the works and contributions of authors who were active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Manly explores a wide range of literary genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, and essays, offering critical analysis of the major writers and movements shaping American culture during this time.The book covers significant literary figures...

Step into the mythic voice of Britain's greatest bard.For centuries, the legendary bard Taliesin has been celebrated as poet, prophet, and shapeshifter—the radiant voice of Celtic myth. In this evocative new collection, internationally acclaimed author John Matthews gathers decades of his own visionary poems inspired by Taliesin's song.Here the ancient bard speaks again: of Arthur and Merlin, of the Goddess and the Grail, of battles between light and dark, ...

Passenger Trains in the North of England features over 270 black and white pictures and takes the reader northbound from South Yorkshire and Cheshire to the Scottish Borders. Also covered in detail are a wide selection of pictures from Cumbria, West and North Yorkshire among others. We see main line expresses, branch line and local trains, plus special workings running along today's railways and lines that have faded into history. Steam, diesel and electric powered trains are pictured righ...

Contemporary American Literature is a meticulously curated anthology, exploring the rich tapestry of early 20th-century American writing. Covering an expansive range of literary styles, from realism to modernism, this collection captures the diverse essence of a nation in flux. Readers will find a spectrum of voices and genres that reflect the dynamic cultural landscape of the time, offering works that challenge societal norms, explore human consciousness, and reflect on the American ident...

From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world.This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.Many of the fantastic creatures described in the...

This evocative guide to Shamanism takes you on a journey from its origins in Europe, North America, Siberia and the Arctic Circle through to contemporary rituals to try today. Illustrated with cultural images, totems and people, shaman John Matthews reveals the rich animistic traditions of this ancient spirituality and reveals how it can empower your life.Discover:The significance of power animalsShapeshifting - moving into different states of beingHealing with...