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The Grail: A Secret History
 
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The Grail: A Secret History [Hardcover]

John Matthews (Author)


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Hardcover $15.00  
Hardcover, November 1, 2005 --  

Book Description

November 1, 2005
What is the Grail? Is it a stone? Is it a chalice? Or is it something even more powerful—an enduring idea that has captured humanity's imagination across the centuries? Fictional accounts of the Grail have topped best-seller lists over the years, The Da Vinci Code being only the most recent among them. But the truth about the Grail—where truth can be brought to light—is even more electrifying than the most exciting novel ever written. This informative and beautifully illustrated book recounts the Grail's story, from its early appearances in ancient myths to its many references in historical documents, literature, and the popular entertainment of today. Grail scholar John Matthews explores many previously unknown facets of the Grail's history. He brings to light the earliest accounts of the Grail, as they were originally inscribed in Greek, Vedic and Celtic myths. Then probing still more deeply into the story of the Grail, he—

  • Examines the part the chalice plays in Christ's Passion
  • Tells stories of the secret societies that guarded the Grail's mysteries
  • Explores Grail theories that speculate on the holy bloodline of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and on an alternate theory of the Grail as the philosopher's stone
  • Describes modern Grail seekers, and reveals why even the Nazis sought it

    These and hundreds more fascinating details will keep readers turning pages to the book's final chapter. Approximately 90 color photos.

  • Editorial Reviews

    From the Back Cover

    back cover:
  • What is the Grail—a stone, a chalice, or an enduring idea?

  • Why have men and women sought after and struggled over it for centuries?

  • What does it mean for us today?

    This riveting account of the Grail’s secret history examines the mysterious relic’s meaning and purpose. It looks at popular misconceptions and traces the Grail’s tale from the earliest foreshadowings in Greek and Vedic myth, through the Arthurian cycles of the Middle Ages and Christian literature to theories of the present day.

    front flap:
    Fictional accounts of the Grail top best seller lists around the world, but the real truth is far more exciting. This entertaining and informative book seeks to trace the evolution of the Grail myth from the prehistoric religious beliefs of our distant ancestors to the present day.

    Historian and Grail scholar John Matthews shows how the ideas of sacred vessels in ancient creation tales flowed into the visionary writings of the Celts. Through them, the Grail idea entered the great melting pot of Western mysticism and Christian theology that produced the first stories featuring the Grail in a form that we recognize today.

    He explains in fascinating detail how the Arthurian legends, including tales of the chalice at Camelot and the adventures and quests of the knights, became the chief carriers of the myth during the Middle Ages. Next, he considers how the idea of the Grail found fresh inspiration from the East as Crusaders came into contact with Islamic culture.

    From the medieval secret societies that were believed to be the guardians of the Grail’s secrets to contemporary theories about the chalice as a symbol of the feminine mysteries, this compelling book shows how the Grail has continued to evolve, and how it provides new meaning for each generation.

    back flap:
    John Matthews is author of over 80 books on Grail studies, Arthurian legends, Celtic and world folklore. Much in demand as a speaker in Europe and America, he has taught in London, Oxford, New York and Seattle. Recently, he served as historical advisor to the film King Arthur.
  • About the Author

    John Matthews has written many books on Grail studies, Arthurian legends, and Celtic folklore. He lectures extensively on these subjects in Britain and America.

    Product Details

    • Hardcover: 176 pages
    • Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (November 1, 2005)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0764158678
    • ISBN-13: 978-0764158674
    • Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
    • Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
    • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,628,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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