Customer Reviews

The Holy Grail: Its Origins, Secrets, and Meaning Revealed

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If nothing else, this is an extraordinarily beautiful book. Holding it and browsing through the chapters is almost magic in itself. The artwork is stunning, from rich reproductions of medieval art that not only enhance the text but contain stories of their own, to more contemporary works such as Alan Lee's Grail Knight and Thomas Gotch's Girl Enthroned. Looking at the age-old symbols on these pages fires the imagination and unleashes an unused, forgotten part of the brain (it's a must-have for artists and writers). Although scholars might argue with some of Godwin's assertions (for example, that the Cathar heretics were familiar with Tarot cards), the author does a phenomenal job of tying together many seemingly disparate elements of mysticism in a way that makes immediate sense. Being scholarly isn't the point; this kind of synthesis in which one takes what has gone before and remixes it with current thinking is what evolution is all about. Godwin's explanation of how the Grail legends grew out of the spiritual and political culture of the Middle Ages deserves contemplation. It is not just history; it is a commentary on the times in which we live. In providing a healing formula for changing centuries-old habits and patterns that have resulted in a dysfunctional society and the destruction of our natural world, Godwin is laying the groundwork for a transformational process, one that is independent of religion, nationality or social class. If this all sounds too New Age-y for you, then just enjoy the pretty pictures and the history of one of the most enduring legends of all time. The tales of King Arthur and the Quest for the Holy Grail are still among the most entertaining stories anywhere. I double dare you, however, to remain unchanged after reading this book. One doesn't so much read it as experience it. And it's a downright uncanny experience. If the Holy Grail exists, here is your map to find it.

I am a little disturbed at Kirkus Reviews' and others' statement that this is not a scholarly work. Don't be fooled. Mr. Godwin is clearly a master of the source material and has presented it in the context most likely to impart understanding to an open-minded reader. His sources and related materials are included in an extensive bibliography. The maps, diagrams, and broad, beautiful selection of artworks are the result of obviously deep and careful study. Typography and page ornaments are selected and placed to harmonize with the text and graphics with a discernment rare in our age. If this is not the result of "scholarship," the word has no meaning. Anyone with more than a passing interest in art, history, literature, or religion should have this book.

Although the book is a little scanty at first. Things became more clearer in the ending.. I liked the punchline at the end of the book, as it clearly demonstrates what we (humanity) have forgotten. This is definetly not scholarly work, one should be aware of that. But the message it sends about how women have been treated through history, and our unquestioning behaviour about our social system, should require a listening to. I read Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach shortly after i read this book, and found it to be really inspirational both spiritualy and mentally. I also found Malcolms book to be a bit New Age'y, but still i found to be really universal in it's message.

I have used Godwin's book for research for many years. It is brilliantly illustrated and contains a great deal of useful information. Is it scholarly? Well, there are more scholarly works on the Grail (Walter Stein's Ninth Century and the Holy Grail is the gold standard for scholarly works), but this is one of the best introductions to the basic framework of the Grail you'll find anywhere, and Godwin's treatment of the historical tributaries that constitute the Grail Legend is invaluable, and convincingly illustrated.

I have to agree with the Kirkus Review that his premise is wobbly. Godwin cites the Grail as primarily a critique of Patriarchy, which is at best unnecessary and speculative. For one thing, the verdict isn't in on when, where and how patriarchy took root, and what its consequences were (not to mention the different regions of the world, and different historical periods one must take into account). We do know, from writers such as Erich Neumann and Julian Jaynes, that the human brain underwent some major changes over time. These perspectives do not necessarily fit into a review of the Grail. For another, the Irish idea of Sovereignty did not constitute the entire Grail Legend, and therefore can't really be pointed to as the inherent meaning of the Grail. The question of Patriarchy is only one thread, not the entire matter.

Because of this obvious bias, Godwin neglects one of his best insights, to wit: that the mystical world of the Celt point to a bridge, or bridges, that connect our world to the Otherworld, or Inner World. Instead of treating this as a political matter, it is far more important as a psychological, or spiritual, matter, because it suggests very strongly that a balance between the inner and the outer is what the Grail strives toward, hence, "through the middle." Mankind may suffer from misogyny, but before misogyny he had to have forgotten, or neglected, his insides. Godwin's departures into a feminist critique detract from what is otherwise a very intriguing book.

Despite the sermonizing, I love this book, and have actually bought two copies over the years. I frequently cite it as a useful source on the Grail, and give it four stars.