The Holy Grail: Its Origins, Secrets, and Meaning Revealed (Hardcover)

~ Malcolm Godwin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

An extensive treatment of the various legends of the Holy Grail that ultimately falls apart because of its pursuit of flimsy speculation. Godwin (Angels: An Endangered Species, not reviewed) explores one of the most intriguing and persistent myths of Western civilization. He begins by outlining in detail nine principal cycles of legend involving the Grail, tracing them through three separate strata of stories. Beginning with the earliest written account of the quest for the Grail, the 12th-century ``Le Conte del Graal'' by Chr‚tien de Troyes, the author convincingly shows that the origins of the Grail legend are in ancient Celtic oral tales in which the object of the quest was a magical vessel of plenty. This vessel evolved into the more familiar Grail of Arthurian romance, that holiest of Christian relics--the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper and which was used to catch his blood as it poured out on the cross. It was this object that was supposedly brought to England by Joseph of Arimathea and hidden at Glastonbury. The third branch of legend explored is what Godwin calls the ``chymical.'' Here he retells the mystical tale of rebirth and transformation, ``Parzifal'' by Wolfram von Eschenbach. Dating from about 1220, it became the basis of the famous Wagnerian opera. In the concluding section, Godwin explores the Grail's meaning as ``a myth for our time,'' connecting the quest for the vessel to Eastern philosophies such as the Tao (Godwin also is known as ``Yatri'' from his time spent on an Indian ashram). He explores, too, various archetypal images present in the various legends. The work will appeal to Grail enthusiasts more interested in conspiratorial and mystical elements than in serious scholarship. Lavishly illustrated, it will make a fine coffee-table book. (180 color and b&w illustrations) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Description

A lavishly illustrated volume explores the significance and endurance of the legend of the Holy Grail as an archetype of the journey of the soul, and traces its formation from Celtic, Christian, Eastern and alchemical traditions. 50,000 first printing. $20,000 ad/promo.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Studio (May 3, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670851280
• ISBN-13: 978-0670851287
• Product Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 20 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #983,506 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magical new look at a very old story, June 30, 1997

By A Customer

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.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scholars Are As Scholars Do, April 22, 2003

By	Loren Amsden (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beatiful book!, November 12, 2001

By A Customer

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.