The Green Man: Spirit of Nature [Hardcover]

John Matthews (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 2011

"The Green Man invites us to rejoin him in the ongoing dance of the seasons, to celebrate the strength of greenness and its ability to transform our lives into something richer and sweeter." He's known as Green Jack, Puck, the Green Knight, Pan, Robin Hood, and the Jolly Green Giant, and likely many more names lost in the mists of time. The Green Man is an ancient symbol of nature and fertility and wildness, whose leafy image can be seen today on buildings and in artwork from various cultures all over the world. This gift box is a wonderful introduction to the Green Man and all that he represents. With 25 full-color images from throughout the ages and across cultures, the book traces the many strands of the legend - from the first agrarian people of the ancient world to our own time when the Green Man has become an unofficial icon for the environmental movement. A uniquely crafted plaque depicting the Green Man in his benign guise completes the package. The plaque was specially designed for this kit and will provide a whimsical touch of nature in the garden, on the patio, or in any room in the house.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Matthews has been studying the Celtic tradition for over thirty years. He presents seminars and workshops all over the world and, with his wife Caitlin, has written over sixty books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel; Book and Access edition (November 4, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590030192
• ISBN-13: 978-1590030196
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,042,676 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evoking the Spirit of Nature, May 26, 2002

By 

Terrie (Little Chute, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Green Man: Spirit of Nature (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful little gift set that contains a sculpted plaque of the Green Man and a colorful and detailed hard cover book about the Green Man in history, legend, myth and in modern times. The artistry used in creating the plaque is excellent and the deep dark green face of this god of the Green World is happily wild and makes a wonderful addition to a home where Nature is respected and loved.
The book, though small, contains an abundance of information and photographs and images from art of the Green Man in his various guises. John Matthews, one of the leading authorities on the subject of the Green Man treats us to a good sampling of the attributes of this Spirit of Nature as he describes his influence in the art and spirituality of several cultures from around the world. He traces the Green Man from his early roots among ancient agrarian peoples to his fame as a decorative device upon countless cathedrals and other buildings throughout the world. The book also tells of the resurgance of The Green Man's popularity in modern times and his role in the protection of the threatened green world. There is a lovely "walking meditation" included in the book and many suggestions on how to incorporate the Green Man into your own spiritual life. In the back of the book is a list of locations throughout the world where the Green Man can be spotted.
My favorite part of the book is the lovely selection of photographs of the various interpretations of the Green Man. This is a perfect gift set for anyone interested in the Green Man or in Ecology. Gardeners will love it. People embarking on new beginnings will be blessed by it. Old friends of the Green Man will welcome it and people who are meeting him for the first time will be treated to a wonderful introduction. I recommend it.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely presentation, June 3, 2002

By 

Boudica (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Green Man: Spirit of Nature (Hardcover)

When I first saw this book offered in the Red Wheel/Weiser catalogue, I was so glad to see a book on the Green Man and I requested it for review immediately. I didn't realize this was a gift set, and it came as a very delightful surprise.

The box contained a small photo book and a Green Man sculptured plaque. The plaque was on top, a dark rich green, handsome face nestled in the sculpted leaves. Very nicely produced, he would look great anywhere you happen to want to hang him up. This is a very nice addition to this presentation.

But the book, which is small in appearance, is packed with Green Man trivia and photos of various depictions of the Green Man. Mr. Matthews knows his stuff when it comes to the many myths and traditions associated with the Green Man. I was impressed with the research done by Mr. Matthews in finding the many places where there are some impressive Green Man representations. Pictures of carvings, building ornaments, paintings, even furniture featuring the image of the Green Man are included here. There is also a meditation and suggestions for honoring the Green Man in various environments in your life. The quality printing and gloss paper make this book a small treasure on its own.

For those of you who find the Green Man as special as I do, this book is a wonderful resource on the lore, history and mystery that the Green Man holds. The plaque will also find a place in your home or garden or office, and will please you as much as the book will. This would make a great gift for that special person who reveres the Green Man as much as you do.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great combination of book and mask, September 15, 2005

By 

Signe H. Jameson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Green Man: Spirit of Nature (Hardcover)

The book contains an excellent overview of "Greenman" legends and examples from multiple historical periods, from the past, through the present.
The mask is a marvelous, thoroughly detailed and carefully painted sample of a "Greenman" face.
A delightful combination of literature and sculpture.