Death of Merlin: Arthurian Myth and Alchemy - Hardcover

Stein, Walter Johannes

9780863150814: Death of Merlin: Arthurian Myth and Alchemy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0863150810 ISBN 13: 9780863150814

Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Pr, 1991

The story of King Arthur and the Grail still holds a remarkable fascination for many people. In this classic work, Walter Johannes Stein traces its origins in early Christianity and classical and Nordic mythology, and follows its development in medieval and modern times. In particular, Stein explores the parallels between the quest for the Grail and the medieval alchemists' search for the Philosopher's Stone. This book is a collection of essays that were first published, or delivered as lectures, in the 1920s and 1930s. The first section of the book is Stein's own memoirs, which ground his research in the cultural background of the era.

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About the Author:

Dr. Walter Johannes Stein (1891-1957) was an Austrian philosopher and a pioneer of Anthroposophy. He studied at Vienna University and was a student of Rudolf Steiner. After World War I, Steiner invited him to Stuttgart to teach history and German literature at the first Waldorf school. There, Stein began his lifelong investigation into the Grail legend. In 1928, he published The Ninth Century and the Holy Grail. He moved to London in 1933 and became editor of the journal, The Present Age.

Review:

'This book contains a series of essays and lectures written by one whose spiritual development was personally overseen by the great anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner ... I really enjoyed it, and learned a lot!' -- Inner Light Magazine, Summer 2008 'Stein explores the early development of the mythic corpus of Grail legends ... Highly recommended.' -- BM Cauldron, May 2008 'Walter Johnnes Stein was a polymath who was one of the leading followers of Steiner. It was a lecture by Stein in the 1930s that kindled the spiritual insight of the then agnostic Sir George Trevelyan ... One of the most interesting parts is the first chapter of the memoirs in which the author describes his own background, education and encounter with Steiner ... This is the work of an erudite man steeped in western culture but whose spiritual sight has also been opened. It is a remarkable series of essays.' -- Scientific and Medical Network Review, Spring 2008

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