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Gary R Varner
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"If we lose touch with mythology, with ancient stories and songs and ways of doing things, we lose our humanity. We become as superficial as an Internet search or a television comedy. We'll end up looking back on our past with as little comprehension as most people today have of Egyptian hieroglyphics, or the meaning of Stonehenge."--novelist Phillip DePoy, 2007
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I thank all of you for your interest in my work, your kind reviews and comments over the years. I also thank those of you who stopped by my AuthorsDen site 860,000 times! And thanks to all of you who have purchased my books or checked them out from the library. The fact that you have read my books is perhaps the biggest thrill yet.
I have been interviewed twice on the local CBS affiliate here in Sacramento about my new books and architectural symbolism. You can see the interviews at gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/7332584-author-gary-r-varner/ and gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/7600242-sacramento-symbolism/
The second appearance was a two hour live broadcast conducting a walking tour of Sacramento's old buildings and to discuss the architectural symbolism present on them. It was great fun!
New projects this year included a cultural history of Ethiopia and new additions to the Hidden in Plain Site series--all fully illustrated. My new book on the folklore of faeries is now available on kindle and in paperback.
Two other projects just completed are Portals to Other Realms: Cup-Marked Stones and Prehistoric Rock Carvings. This is an analysis of this strange rock art design found around the world dating back possibly 700,000 years. No one knows why they were made or why they appear on every continent. The introduction was written by Vyacheslav Mizin, a member of the Russian Geographical Society and an expert on ancient sites in Russia. Fully illustrated.
The second is Remembrances of the Dead--Graveyard Art & Symbolism which discusses the symbolism found in many pre-twentieth century grave stones, the meanings behind the symbols and a bit about the stone carvers. The book is illustrated with over 70 photographs taken in Nova Scotia, Maine, Massachusetts, Kentucky, South Carolina and California.
Please visit my new folklore site at http://garyrvarner.webs.com. and Bookstore at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/gary_varner
Publication History:
Essays in Contemporary Paganism 2000 [Out of Print}
Water of life Water of Death: The Folklore and Mythology of Sacred Waters 2004 [Note: This book is out of print. A second edition is now available as Water from the Sacred Well: Further Explorations in the Folklore and Myth of Sacred Water availble in both print and Kindle editions]
Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone: The Folklore and Magic of Sacred Stone 2004
The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature 2006
Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture 2006
The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil 2007 in print and Kindle editions
Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings Around the World - A Study in Comparative Mythology 2007
Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion 2007
The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War 2007
Maria Lionza: An Indigenous Goddess of Venezuela 2007
The Use & History of Amulets, Charms and Talismans 2008 in print and Kindle editions
Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture 2008 in print and Kindle editions
The Owens Valley Paiute - A Cultural History 2009 in print and Kindle editions
Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning, and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters - has been reissued in a 2nd edition August 2009 by Algora Publishing
Ancient Footprints - Cultural Diffusion in Pre-Columbian America 2010 in print and Kindle editions
Charles G. Leland - The Man & the Myth, 2nd edition 2010 in print and Kindle editions
Magic, Witchcraft, Pagans & Christians: A Study in the Suppression of Belief and the Rise of Christianity 2010 in print and Kindle editions
Ghosts, Spirits & the Afterworld in Native American Folklore and Religion 2010 in both prinet and Kindle editions
Water from the Sacred Well (Kindle edition 2010, print edition 2011)
The Sword and Dagger in Myth & Legend (2nd edition 2011 in both paper and Kindle)
Hecate the Witches' Goddess first published in 2008 is availble in a new revised 2011 edition from Kindle and Amazon.com
Hidden in Plain Site I - Sacramento and Hidden in Plain Site II - Pittsburgh are new 2012 offerings available in both Kindle editions and paperback
Ethiopia - A Cultural History of An Ancient Land (2012) available both in Kindle and paperback editions
The Folklore of Faeries, Elves & Little People - A Study of a Cultural Phenomenon (2012) now in Kindle and paperback editions
Portals to Other Realms: Cup-Marked Stones and Prehistoric Rock Carvings (2012) Kindle and paperback
Remembrances of the Dead - Graveyard Art & Symbolism (2013) now in a Kindle edition and paperback
Visit Folklore, History & The Study of MythVisit Folklore, History & The Study of Myth
Accomplishments: Gary has been listed in successive editions of Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World and is a member of the American Folklore Society.
His books have been purchased by over 1900 university and public libraries around the world, including the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, the British Museum Research Library and the Eastern California Museum.
Varner's articles and books have been referenced or cited in dozens of publications and websites, including:
1) “The Unveiling of the sacred in Eliade’s Men and Stones” by Ali Shehzad Zaidi, Humanities Department, State University of New York at Canton in neohelicon, Vol. 36, Number 1/June 2009 published by Akadėmiai Kiadó and Springer Science+Business Media
2) Ghosts of the Southern Tennessee Valley by Georgiana C. Kotarski (Paperback - Jun 1, 2006) John F. Blair, Publisher
3) Robert Koch and the Study of Anthrax (Uncharted, Unexplored, and Unexplained) by Kathleen Tracy (Library Binding - Sep 2004) Mitchell Lane Publishers (September 2004)
4) Beings - Webster's Specialty Crossword Puzzles, Volume 2: The Enthusiast's Edition (Paperback) ICON Group International, Inc. (May 5, 2009)
5) Mystical Places and Marvelous Meals: A Travel Cookbook (Paperback) by Sara Nieves-Grafals (Author), Al Getz (Contributor) iUniverse, Inc. (December 13, 2005)
6) Treat or Trick? Halloween in a Globalising World by Hugh O'Donnell Cambridge Scholars Publishing (February 1, 2009)
7) “Nix”, New World Encyclopedia, http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Nix
8) “Externsteine” in Atlas Obscura http://atlasobscura.com/places/externsteine
9) The Green Man Biography, Links, Resources http://www.egreenway.com/meditation/greenman.htm
10) Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories http://www.nativetreesociety.org/myths/index_myths.htm
11) Robin Hood “Under the Greenwood Tree”: Peasants’ Revolt and the Making of a Medieval Legend by Danielle Sabatka HIST 495: Independent Research Dr. Martha Rampton 1 May 2008 http://www.pacificu.edu/as/history/students/sabatka.pdf
12) Venezuela's Maria Lionza ... 16th century native girl, born to an Indian chief http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=77241
13) Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend by Mark Jenkins (A National Geographic publication)
14) Trials of the Moon: Reopening the Case for Historical Witchcraft. A critique of Ronald Hutton's The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft by Ben Whitmore (October 2010)
15) Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature by Osprey Orielle Lake
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Books
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Articles
Deluge Myths based on Fact? by Gary R Varner
Why are flood myths found around the world so similar? Do these myths contained in oral literature have a basis in fact? Folklorist Gary R. Varner delves into this interesting subject....
Ancient Footprints by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from the introduction of a new book by Gary R. Varner, Ancient Footprints: Cultural Diffusion in Pre-Columbian America. ...
Faeries: A World of Reality or World of Myth? by Gary R Varner
Faeries. Just story book characters or is there something really there?
(Photo of an unknown being at St. Madron's Well, Cornwall, England. Photo by Brenna Varner)...
Cup-Marks and Pre-Historic Rock Carvings: Portals to Other Realms by Gary R Varner
What is the purpose behind the ancient stone carvings found around the world--a shaman's passage to the spirit world, healing or curses?...
The Spirit Land by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from a book in progress. ...
A Comparison Between Chinese Taoism and Native American Religious Tradition by Gary R Varner
An except from the forthcoming book by Gary R. Varner, "Ancient Footprints."...
Valentine's Day--Just What Is It Anyway? by Gary R Varner
At least 75% of Americans and many more celebrate February 14th as St. Valentine's Day. But when did it originate and just who was St. Valentine?...
Merry Solstice...er...Happy Yule... by Gary R Varner
No matter what the holiday is called, the message is the same.
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Halloween: An Ancient Day of Remembrance and Renewal by Gary R Varner
Samhain, today known as "Halloween", is an ancient holy day to remember the dead, to welcome in the new year, and to shrug off unwanted "baggage" from the last year. This article discusses the history...
Folklorist needs your assistance. Have you seen Little People? by Gary R Varner
Folklorist Gary R. Varner is researching a book on the continued lore of fairies and other "Little People" in the modern age....
Ethiopian Folklore and Folkmedicine by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from a new book, Ethiopia - A Cultural History of an Ancient Land...
The Mythology of the Green Man by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from "The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature", published by Algora Publishing....
What defines art? by Gary R Varner
Some thoughts on art and what defines art by a folklorist/potter....
Serpents and Monsters by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from "The Folklore of the Sea" by Gary R. Varner....
The Face of Cernunnos by Gary R Varner
Along the craggy cliffs of Tintagle resides the Face of Cernunnos, carved by Nature to remind us of the watchfulness of the Horned One....
Glenn Cove--Sacred Indian Burial Ground by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from Water from the Sacred Well by Gary R. Varner...
Water as Feminine by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from the new forthcoming edition of Water from the Sacred Well....
Not again! by Gary R Varner
An authors response to a recent book review. ...
Reincarnation Beliefs of Native American Tribes by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from the new book by Gary R. Varner, "Ghosts, Spirits & the Afterlife in Native American Folklore and Religion."...
The Use of Charms and Incantations by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from a new book by Gary R. Varner....
This Dying Earth by Gary R Varner
Today is Earth Day. This article was first posted almost ten years ago. The issue is still pressing and even more acute. This is an article calling for our awareness of our actions and inactions and t...
St. George: Christian Dragon Slayer or Pagan Green Man? by Gary R Varner
April 23rd is St. George's Day around the world. Its time to repost this article, an excerpt from The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature by Gary R. Varner....
Death Pays a Visit by Gary R Varner
Reflections on the death of a daughter....
Fire Symbolism in Myth and Religion by Gary R Varner
An article on the mythic symbolism of fire, now reprinted in the Winter 2009 issue of Circle Magazine: Sacred Flames, Sacred Fires Issue #105
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The Treatment of Death Among the Paiute by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from the book, The Owens Valley Paiute - A Cultural History by Gary R. Varner ...
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News
New Review of Gargoyles, Grotesques and Green Men by Gary R Varner
A new review was recently posted on Epinions about my book on gragoyles and grotesques. The reviewer states "the lowest price I have seen on a used copy in better-than-average condition in is the $40....
Portals to Other Realms: Cup-Marked Stones and Prehistoric Rock Carvings by Gary R Varner
An illustrated analysis of mysterious and ancient rock art found around the world dating back 700,000 years.
Available both in Kindle and paperback editions.
Written by Gary R. Varn...
Remembrances of the Dead--Graveyard Art & Symbolism released by Gary R Varner
Folklorist Gary R. Varner has released a new book on the symbolism and art found in cemeteries by examining pre-20th century gravestones and tombs across the United States. ...
Folklorist Releases Two New Books by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner, author of several books on mythology, folklore and history, releases two new books....
Cemetery Art published in Horror Zine by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner is featured in the January 2013 edition of Horror Zine. ...
Architectural Symbolism Explored by Folklorist by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner, author of numerous books on folklore and mythology, spent part of his day conducting a televised tour of Sacramento's buildings and the symbolism found on them....
New book on Ethiopia now available by Gary R Varner
Folklorist Gary R. Varner's new book on the cultures and history of Ethiopia is now available on Kindle and in paperback at Amazon.com....
Faeries and Little People? A folklorist examines all the possibilities by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner, author of Creatures in the Mist, The Mythic Forest and Ancient Footprints-Cultural Diffusion in Pre-Columbian America presents an examinatiion of faery lore and the continued sightings...
Folklorist to Appear on the History Channel by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner, author of Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone and many other books on folklore and cultures will appear in a History Channel episode on ancient dolmen....
Kindle edition of Hecate - The Witches Goddess on Sale for Limited Time by Gary R Varner
The kindle edition of Hecate - The Witches Goddess is now available at a reduced price. ...
Folklorist Interviewed on CBS 31 Sacramento by Gary R Varner
Folkorist Gary R. Varner interviewed on Good Day Sacramento....
Green Man article to be reprinted by award winning newspaper by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's article, the Mythology of the Green Man, will soon be reprinted by the award winning Canadian newspaper, the Celtic Connection....
Hecate The Witches Goddess now on Kindle by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's analysis of the ancient Greek Goddess Hecate is now available on Amazon.com as an ebook....
Water from the Sacred Well Now Available by Gary R Varner
Early release announced for Water from the Sacred Well by Gary R. Varner....
Book News from Gary R. Varner by Gary R Varner
New publishing news from Gary R. Varner concerning upcoming releases....
New Gargoyles & Grotesques 18 month Calendar from Gary R. Varner by Gary R Varner
A new 18-month calendar featuring the historic and exotic gargoyles and grotesques from the UK and the United States is now available. Get your new calendar now for the new year....
Ghosts, Spirits & the Afterlife in Native American Folklore and Religion by Gary R Varner
A new book on Native American beliefs, ceremonies, rituals and practices concerning ghosts, spirits and the afterworld. Illustrated....
Gary R. Varner's Second interview with TheoFantastique by Gary R Varner
An interview with the author on cryptozoology. ...
Gary R. Varner Interviewed by TheoFantastique by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner was interviewed by TheoFantastique | A meeting place for myth, imagination, and mystery in pop culture....
Patricia Della-Piana, author of Aradia Retold, reviews Charles G. Leland - by Gary R Varner
Patricia Della-Piana, author of Aradia Retold, reviews Charles G. Leland - The Man & the Myth...
The Owens Valley Paiute-A Cultural History now available on Kindle by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's cultural history of the Owens Valley Paiute is now available on Amazon.com's ebook reader, Kindle. Download price $8.49....
New Book on an Ancient Culture Released by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner, author of numerous books on ancient cultures, folklore and mythology, has recently released his latest book, The Owens Valley Paiute - A Cultural History....
Folklorist Gary R. Varner Interviewed on Australia's #1 Alternative Radio by Gary R Varner
Folklorist Gary R. Varner interviewed on the Underworld Show with Lia Ramses....
Pre-Historic Rock Art of California by Gary R Varner
New 18 month calendar of exceptional prehistoric rock art of California offered by folklorist Gary R. Varner....
2nd Review of Charles G. Leland: The Man & the Myth by Ghost Writer Review by Gary R Varner
A second review from Ghost Writer Review of Charles G. Leland: The Man & the Myth. ...
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Links
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| The Hunger Site
A quick and free way to contribute food, medicine, medical treatments and books to the needy as well as protecting rainforest land and providing food and care for animals.
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Gary R. Varner's Bookshop for Folklore & Mythology
A direct link to my bookshop at Lulu Press where several of my newest titles can be found.
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Folklore, History & the Study of Myth
My folklore site featuring my books, events, blogs, and more. Please stop by and sign the guest book.
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Varner's Books on Amazon
Gary R. Varner's books on Amazon.com including Kindle and paperback editions.
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Additional information
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| Five new books include the Second edition of Charles G. Leland,a new book about ancient contacts between the indigenous cultures of the Americas and other lands, "Ancient Footprints: Cultural Diffusion in Pre-Columbian America," and "Ghosts, Spirits & the Afterlife in Native American Folklore and Religion" as well as "Magic, Witchcraft, Pagans & Christians: A Study in the Suppression of Belief and the Rise of Christianity" are now available at Amazon.com and other retailers. "Water from the Sacred Well" is now available on Amazon.com in both Kindle and paper editions. The new series on architectural symbolism, "Hidden in Plain Site" has two new titles now available. Hidden in Plain Site-Sacramento and Hidden in Plain Site-Pittsburgh.
Gary's other books include The Mythic Forest, The Green Man and the Spirit of Nature which is a global analysis of the Green Man tradition in folklore from the Old World to the New. It is also a book about the folklore and mythology of tree and forest lore and contains many never before published photos of the Green Man in Wales, Ireland, England and across the United States. A must for those interested in nature lore and the Green Man archetype. He has also released a book on the ancient symbolism found in European and American architecture called "Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture." Illustrated with dozens of photographs of gargoyles, grotesques and other creatures and symbols, this book is a must for anyone interested in symbolism, folklore and architectural history. It is an area many find fascinating but also an area with almost no serious study devoted to it.
Six books published in 2007 include Algora Publishing's Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings Around the World and, from Lulu Press, The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil,The Roots of Witchcraft, The Sword in Myth & Legend, Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion, and, The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War.
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Contact
Information
PO Box 15635
Sacramento
CA
95852
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