Way of Wyrd [Paperback]

Brian Bates (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1988

Here is a unique dramatization of man's search for knowledge and inner peace. In England's Dark Ages, a young monk is initiated into the mysteries of "Wyrd"--the unity of physical and spiritual life. The monk's teacher reveals a stunning world of imagination and insight.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Reads like a fusion of Carlos Castaneda... and Tolkien.' Time Out; 'Brilliant, vivid, entertaining... it deserves a place on our bookshelves along with Carlos Castaneda.' R. D. Laing --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Brian Bates is a psychologist who spent seven years researching the psychology of acting with students at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He is now Director of the Medical Psychology Project at the Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, England.


From the Trade Paperback edition. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (June 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425110591
• ISBN-13: 978-0425110591
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,792,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Shamanic Book About Shamanic Anglo-Saxonry, April 20, 2005

By 

Carla O'Harris - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of Wyrd (Paperback)

This is one of my favorite books on heathenry. Brian Bates really manages to penetrate with imagination and scholarship what the life of an Anglo-Saxon sorceror was really like, and his vision of Wyrd is palpable and powerful. This book is really a wonderful fictional companion to Siegfried Goodfellow's Wyrd Megin Thew : The Wild, Wooly Strength of Heathen Ways, which also covers similar material in a non-fiction setting, but Brian Bates was the one who set the standard! You will find yourself identifying with these characters and taken back into a world where magic was still alive, and where elves and fairies were not cute little creatures, but powerful, awesome, inspiring, and sometimes intimidating creatures that wizards knew how to bargain with!! Highly recommended.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Tale, May 5, 2005

By 

PROJECT359 (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of Wyrd (Paperback)

I read this book back in the 90's after a band called Sabbat wrote an album (Dreamweaver) based on the novel. My copy was getting rather tatty so it's nice to see it back in print once again. My new copy is on the way :)

The Way of Wyrd is an excellent story exploring the differences and similarities between Christianity and Paganism.

Wat Brand is sent to explore Pagan England to learn their ways ready for when Christianity invades.

However, his guide, Wulf, shows him far more than he could ever have imagined and Wat becomes submerged in the way of Wyrd. For the best way to learn of the Pagan spirits is to meet them face to face.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All roads lead to the same place, September 29, 2005

By 

Dr. John Bear "Mage of Balance, Mage of Light" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of Wyrd (Paperback)

I am so glad to see this book back in print. I first read it years ago and have loaned to to many folks along the way. It explores the differences AND similarities that Paganism and Christianity share. And with a little creative imagination you can draw the same parelells with other religions. The transformation of the lead character from an uptight closed minded theocrat to a person that can actually see the divine in all things is an inspiration. Well done!