Merlin, best known to us as the advisor of young King Arthur, is the most famous and familiar image of the magician that we possess. Acclaimed Arthurian expert John Matthews examines the many guises of this popular figure—as seer, prophet, magician, and inspiration to people from all walks of life. He explores the possible historic origins of Merlin as a Celtic king, the later literary forms of his legend in the myths of King Arthur, and his more recent manifestations in visionary works, as the prototype for characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars films, and other characters in TV and fantasy writing. Drawing on a wealth of sources from Celtic, medieval, and Renaissance times, this is the first, fully-illustrated book on Merlin, the man.
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Book Description
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About the Author
John Matthews is the author of various books on Arthurian and Celtic lore, among them a new illustrated edition of Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur, and of the Pitkin Guide to Merlin. He is currently working as an advisor on the film King Arthur due for release in December 2004.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
merlin for the coffee table,
By Frank Juszczyk, Ph.D. "Dr. J" (Silver City, NM USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Merlin: Shaman, Prophet, Magician (Hardcover)
This is a beautiful book, crammed with lovely color plates, lithographs, and illustrations documenting the life and legend of Merlin. The scholarship supporting the visual record is solid without being overly scholarly or pedantic. It is a book one delves into for the delight of the experience rather than to complete an intensive textbook study of Merlin as historical figure and mythic icon. The chapter entitled "The Return of Merlin" brings him into contemporary view as the hero of films both as himself and as the inspiration for pop culture characters such as Gandalf, Mister Spock, and Obi-wan Kenobi. This book is definitely a must-have for fans of the Necromantic arts in general and the Wild Man of the Woods in particular.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb art!,
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This review is from: Merlin: Shaman, Prophet, Magician (Hardcover)
This book really does contain great images of Merlin and other scenes from the Arthur legend. Worth every penny for the pictures alone! I gave you a few good ones as examples . . .
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