Medieval Mysteries: A Guide to History, Lore, Places and Symbolism - Softcover

Ralls PhD, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0892541725 ISBN 13: 9780892541720

Publisher: Ibis Press, 2014

Synopsis

Cross the threshold and journey into the world of the High Middle Ages (1100-1300), to further explore twelve of the most-frequently-requested medieval topics today. From Chaucer's Canterbury Tales,  Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose to the delights of Monty Python, the medieval period - pagan, Christian, and otherwise - continues to intrigue, inspire and fascinate many today.  But what were some of the unexpected developments, interesting people, and key events of this epic time? 

For general readers and specialists alike, medieval historian, former Rosslyn Chapel museum exhibition Curator and author Karen Ralls presents the key historical facts and associated places, symbolism, and folklore for each of the twelve medieval topics, providing a much-requested 'medieval anthology' -- a lively introductory portal for all readers, in one place, which includes the major historical facts as well as some of the lesser-known aspects about each of the topics.

 The story of each subject comes alive as never before, providing a solid, engaging overview about each subject, as well as numerous full colour photographs throughout, a Recommended Reading List (from both selected general and academic sources), four appendices, Historic Sites to Visit,  Notes, and a full Bibliography.

Topics covered include:

• The Knights Templar
• The Grail and the Grail quest
• Mary Magdalene: medieval places, traditions and shrines
• Black Madonnas, from springs, grotto and grove to Chartres...
• The courage of the Cathars
• Medieval Guilds,  The Green Man
• The Troubadours
• Heresy, Heretics, and heresy trials
• Rosslyn Chapel
• King Arthur,  Glastonbury, Merlin

Further explore the history and wonders of the High Middle Ages --  a time of potent symbolism, unexpected developments on many fronts, and much spiritual questing.  But most of all, enjoy your journey...  

('Light shines in darkness' =  Lux Lucet In Tenebris)

About this title

From the Author:

Whatever their chosen path or wherever they are from, many today tell me they're on a quest. History, symbolism, places, and folklore continue to fascinate; many say visiting certain historical or sacred places has often greatly inspired or enlightened them. As an historian, I write my books for *all* of you, as we mutually step back in time to explore the history, unexpected wonders, marvels and mysteries of the past. Cross the threshold.. as we enjoy the journey!

About the Author:

Karen Ralls PhD, is a medieval historian, Celtic,and spirituality/world religions scholar and obtained her doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, followed by six years as Postdoctoral Fellow and Sr Lecturer (Univ. of Edinburgh) and Deputy Curator of the Rosslyn Chapel Museum art exhibition (Scotland).  A specialist in the High Middle Ages period (1100-1300) period and noted for groundbreaking 12th-14th c. medieval research in particular, Karen is originally from the USA and is interested in exploring further links between history/heritage, archeology, symbols, folklore, and the landscape,  and serves as a lecturer, conference speaker, historical and sacred sites tour guide (UK, USA, EU) and workshop/retreat presenter. 

A musician (flute(s)and wire-strung Celtic harp) based in Oxford, England, and a perpetual student of Life itself,  Dr Ralls is a member of the American Academy of Religion and also serves as Historical Advisor and consultant for film, travel, charity and heritage-related projects. She also completed a specialist Medieval and Renaissance Art History course at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum (London) and was a former Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley, California.

Her books include GOTHIC CATHEDRALS:  History, Art, Places, and Symbolism,  (2015, Ibis/RedWheelWeiser/USA);  MEDIEVAL MYSTERIES: A Guide to History, Places and Symbolism (2014; Ibis Press /RedWheelWeiser/USA); The TEMPLARS AND THE GRAIL (2003, Quest Books, USA), The KNIGHTS TEMPLAR ENCYCLOPEDIA (2007, Career Press, USA), Music and the Celtic Otherworld (Edinburgh Univ Press & Palgrave Macmillan, USA), The Quest for the Celtic Key (Luath Press, Edinburgh), and others. She enjoys hiking, music, and stargazing, and has a Facebook Author page and the website is ancientquest.com

'Sharing the Wisdom of the past...a gateway to the future'.

From the Inside Flap:

Cross the threshold and journey into the world of the High Middle Ages (1100-1300), to further explore the history, places, and symbolism of twelve of the most-frequently-requested medieval topics today.  From Chaucer's Canterbury Tales,  Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame,  Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose, to the delights of Monty Python, the medieval period - pagan, Christian, and otherwise - continues to intrigue, inspire and fascinate many today.  But what were some of the unexpected developments, interesting people, and key events of this epic time?

        For general readers and specialists alike, medieval historian, former Rosslyn Chapel museum exhibition Curator and noted author Karen Ralls presents the key historical facts and associated history, places, and symbolism for each of the twelve medieval topics, providing a much-requested 'medieval anthology' -- a lively introductory portal for all readers, in one place, which includes the major historical facts as well as some of the lesser-known aspects about each of the topics.

        The story of each subject comes alive as never before, providing a solid, engaging overview about each subject, as well as numerous full colour photographs throughout, a Recommended Reading List (from both selected general and academic sources), four appendices, Historic Sites to Visit,  Notes, and a full Bibliography.

Topics covered include:

• The Knights Templar
• The Grail and the Grail quest
• Mary Magdalene: medieval places, traditions and shrines
• Black Madonnas: from springs, grotto and grove to Chartres...
• The courage of the Cathars
• Medieval Guilds,  the Green Man
• The Troubadours
• Heresy, Heretics, and heresy trials
• Rosslyn Chapel
• King Arthur,  Glastonbury, Merlin

      Further explore the history and wonders of the High Middle Ages --  a time of potent symbolism, unexpected developments on many fronts, and much spiritual questing. 

('Light shines in darkness' =  Lux Lucet In Tenebris)

About this edition

• Publisher: Ibis Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0892541725
• ISBN 13: 9780892541720
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304