Customer Reviews

A Little Book of the Green Man (Little Books)

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

 

 

One man's search for the truth and origins of the 'Green Man'. Even today people decorate and protect their gardens with symbols of the green man. I have one in my garden; with a hummingbird, of course. Green Man origins appear to be pagan, but the author has discovered images and expressions of the green man in ancient poems and old manuscripts, in Christian churches, Jain Temples, in May Day processions, associated with The Knights Templar, Celtic, Roman, Greek and Egyptian traditions. A common theme seems to be a fusion between man and the vegetable world. Some feel that the green man is the Old Guardian of the Forest or symbolizes the birth and resurrection of all life. Fascinating reading.

This is a great little book. The pictures are wonderful, the text is clear and concise. Most books about Green Men are more scholarly in tone, and maybe daunting for someone who is new to the topic. This book gives you just enough information and pictures, and leaves you wanting more.

this book is a wonderful gift for anyone who like gargoyles and other medieval art. I especially recommend giving it along with the other books in the series.

I was somewhat disappointed with the photos in this little book. Compared with Harding's book on gargoyles the photos were not as clear and interesting. However, I must admit that the subject is more difficult because it involves more indoor photography which the gargoyles generally did not. My interest is the study of the Green Man in England, Ireland and Scotland and this book covers world wide examples which I certainly appreciate, but are not my interest. The commentary is succinct and entertaining and worth dipping into.