Mythology of the British Isles (The Geoffrey Ashe Histories)

Book Synopsis: A brilliant exploration of the legends of the British Isles. From the dark centuries of British prehistory to the ninth century AD comes tales of giants and fairy-folk, of druids and saints. From King Lear and King Arthur, to Fingal, Beowulf, Gwendolen, and Guinevere, legendary characters have shaped the making of the nation. But who were they? In Mythology of the British Isles, Geoffrey Ashe explores how each of these stories are inter-connected, and how they have taken on fresh significance and meaning as historical and archaeological research has uncovered the truth behind each legend. He demonstrates, too, how legends from Ireland, such as The Voyages of Bran and Saint Brendan, shed unexpected light on British stories like Arthur’s voyage to Avalon. And modern myths and beliefs are examined and placed in context, from the Glastonbury Zodiac and the interpretation of ley lines, to the possible biblical pedigree of modern royalty. In Mythology of the British Isles, Geoffrey Ashe uncovers a British mythology which is comparable to the Greek in its richness and cohesiveness, and which possesses a national genius all of its own. Praise for Mythology of the British Isles: ‘A “must-have” for anyone interested in the history and mythology of the British Isles’ - Medieval History Born in London in 1923, Geoffrey Ashe spent several years in Canada. He graduated from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, before continuing at Cambridge. He has written numerous books, many focused on the Arthurian legend. In 1963 he became a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and he was awarded an MBE in 2012. He is recognized as a leading cultural historian and author, and lives in Glastonbury, where he is an Honorary Freeman “in recognition of his eminent services to the place”, with his wife Patricia.