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What is the Grail? Is it a stone? Is it a chalice? Or is it something even more powerful--an enduring idea that has captured humanity's imagination across the centuries? Fictional accounts of the Grail have topped best-seller lists over the years, The Da Vinci Code being only the most recent among them. But the truth about the Grail--where truth can be brought to light--is even more electrifying than the most exciting novel ever written. This informative and beautifully illustrated book recounts the Grail's story, from its early appearances in ancient myths to its many references in historical documents, literature, and the popular entertainment of today. Grail scholar John Matthews explores many previously unknown facets of the Grail's history. He brings to light the earliest accounts of the Grail, as they were originally inscribed in Greek, Vedic and Celtic myths. Then probing still more deeply into the story of the Grail, he-- Examines the part the chalice plays in Christ's Passion Tells stories of the secret societies that guarded the Grail's mysteries Explores Grail theories that speculate on the holy bloodline of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and on an alternate theory of the Grail as the philosopher's stone Describes modern Grail seekers, and reveals why even the Nazis sought it These and hundreds more fascinating details will keep readers turning pages to the book's final chapter. Approximately 90 color photos.… (more)
User reviews
delightful illustrations of illuminated early texts, and coloured photographs. It was my first attempt to read "a grail " book and yes, I learnt something. The subtitle though of "a secret history"
Matthews concedes that there is no evidence that the Grail ever existed in the real world but it is an idea, a dream , a quest and a journey with metaphor and meaning for all who explore life's mysteries. There are so many people looking that this is a veritable industry for the amateur historian and sleuth. The sources for this book all appear to be secondary sources, all in English translation - there are 135 references and the earliest appears to be 1898. I do not see any primary sources or dusty manuscripts or European archives cited. Where are the archaeological records? An example of this psudo scholarship is in the discussion of a 13th century Old French Elucidation de l'hystoire du Graal, but the author relies on the 1899 book by S Evans " In Quest of the Holy Grail" , so there is no knowing whether the 13th century text was actually consulted. There are extensive quotations and they are all acknowledged.
This is a book that takes with great seriousness, that appealing mix of magic, belief, myth , the occult and legend . It is written at a popular level likely to thrill the many enthusiasts of folklore, Arthurian legend , Celtic studies and religious . The voice of the author comes across as honest and considered where he expresses his own opinion.