John Matthews Books

Based on the seasonal rhythms and festivals of the ancient year, this title draws its inspiration from pre-Celtic mythology and shamanic mysteries, placing mystical archetypes into a nature-based system rich in shamanic wisdom and forest lore.

The most famous and influential work of English fantasy ever published, reimagined for a new generation of readers by John Matthews, one of the world's leading Arthurian experts, and illustrated by internationally acclaimed Tolkien artist, John Howe.

The book delves into the various representations of Merlin, the iconic magician of Arthurian legend. Arthurian expert John Matthews explores the different facets of Merlin's character, offering insights into his enduring legacy and significance in literature and mythology. This examination reveals how Merlin's image has evolved over time, highlighting his impact on storytelling and cultural perceptions of magic.

This volume tells in exciting and authentic detail the story of four great warlords from the early medieval period. They waged their wars, first with the barbarian tribes of Europe and later with the might of Islam in bitter struggles in Spain and for the Holy Land, to establish the political and military dominance of Christianity throughout Europe and the Middle East. These were violent and treacherous times, but the personalities of these four great figures of the period were influenced by the chivalrous traditions that were beginning to characterisc medieval culture. Warriors of Christendom tracks the careers of Charlemagne, El Cid. Richard Lionheart and Barbarossa.

Learn about the daredevil exploits of those pirates who have passed into folklore. Read of daring raids on sea and land, and discover the reality of pirate life on board a ship - from their strict codes of conduct to the terrible punishments that awaited those who broke them.

Delve into the enchanting world of Celtic shamanism with this kit, designed to enhance your shamanic abilities. It includes a collection of 40 beautifully illustrated cards and a 176-page instruction book, serving as tools for divination and self-discovery. By engaging with the imagery, you'll connect with powerful Celtic archetypes and navigate the inner cosmos, fostering a deeper understanding of your life path. This unique resource bridges the everyday and the unseen, guiding you on your visionary journey.

Do you dare open the Henry Hunter files and discover the monsters within?The parents of a friend of Henry's have gone missing - disappeared from the very deck of their boat in the Caribbean. The only lead Henry and Dolf have is the sighting of a ghostly galleon and a huge tentacle of mist.Exploring the local pirate history and myths, Henry and Dolf uncover a cursed crew of pirates, led by no other than the deadly Edward Teach - Blackbeard himself. But what's keeping the pirates sailing beyond their deaths? And how and why are they building a crew of live prisoners?It's up to Henry and Dolf to survive monster waves and befriend a crazy local seadog to solve the mystery and put the pirates back in their watery graves!ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Matthews is an historian, screenwriter and children's author who has produced over ninety books on myth, the Arthurian Legends and Grail Studies, as well as short stories, a volume of poetry. John has been involved in many film projects over the past 10 years, as both an advisor and contributor. In 2003 he was the historical advisor to the Jerry Bruckheimer movie 'King Arthur', and has made appearances on both History Channel and Discovery Channel specials on Arthur and the Holy Grail. He shared a BAFTA award for his work on the Educational DVD made to accompany the King Arthur movie. John lives with his wife, author Caitlin Matthews, in Oxford, England. His previous titles for Templar include STORYWORLD and THE TRICK OF THE TALE

Before spoken language evolved, our ancestors communicated through images, drawn or carved onto the walls of caves. A vast proportion of the thousands of such images derive from the visionary insights of the first shamans, who either left them as reminders for themselves or as spiritual signposts for those who came after them. Created by practising shaman John Matthews and beautifully illustrated with evocative images of cave paintings by Wil Kinghan, this highly original deck contains 52 cards, which are divided into five groupings - Spirits, Ancestors, Hunters, Dancers and Shamans - each representing a different aspect of human experience. Two further cards - the Journeyer and the Helper - represent the person who is conducting the reading: the Seeker. As the cards are drawn, they reveal insights that will help to guide the Seeker on his or her quest for the answers to life's most vital questions. The images are not only beautiful, atmospheric and mysterious, but they also touch on the deepest memories we all possess - the unconscious archetypes that influence our thoughts, feelings and actions at the deepest level of being.

The "Ghost squadron" of the Confederate Air Force maintains the only complete collection of fully restored and working WWII airplanes, both Axis and Allied, in the world. Collected here for the first time are breathtaking full-color photographs of this glorious fighting force in dramatic flight.