Click here to buy this book! Gary R.Varner's 2nd edition of "Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death" with more photos of the gargoyles, Green Men and grotesques found around the world, from Vietnam and Turkey to California and Pittsburgh. A must read for anyone interested in ancient symbols and iconography, historic preservation and the development of religion. Available now from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other retailers around the world. The symbols and strange images that we find in our cemeteries, religious structures, banks and in our parks are the same symbols that have been part of the framework of the human psyche for thousands of years. While contemporary man may think that they are simply decorative manifestations of a by-gone era, they represent the fears, dreams, ideas, beliefs and struggles that humankind has endured since we began to walk upright. This book surveys many of these icons and will give a meaning for them both in the context of ancient history and folklore as well as a meaning that is suitable for our contemporary times. Illustrated with dozens of photographs, this book will be of interest to anyone interested in historic preservation, ancient symbolism, the Green Man and the universal application of imagery. Gary R. Varner has written numerous books on ancient traditions, folklore, the environment and contemporary issues. He is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.

Professional Reviews
Review by Mary Fallon Fleming, Author of
"I loved this book. Now I see the Green Man everywhere!"

Ghostwriter Literary Review 4/9/08
Did you ever wonder what the meaning was behind the carved creatures you find on beautiful, historical buildings? In this book, you will learn their origins, meanings and symbolism. Rather than being created just for looks, some were created with spiritual meanings behind them, such as protection or as sign of warning. It’s obvious that a lot of research went into this.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book due to the fact that I’ve seen some of the carvings pictured in this book and always wondered why they were there. Now I know. I feel this book should be recommended reading for art or architectural history. This would make a great coffee table book as well, as it makes a thought-provoking conversational piece. The only criticism I’d offer here is just another read-through for small errors, such as minor spelling mistakes. This book comes across as a textbook.

Reviewer: Sunshine
ISBN: 978-1-4357-1142-6


[Authors Note: The "minor spelling" mistakes were identified as words taken in direct quotes from other sources and were usually the result of English spelling as compared to American spelling.]

Reader Reviews for "Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men: Ancient Symbolism in European..."

Reviewed by Mary Fallon Fleming	2/16/2008
I loved this book. Now I see the Green Man everywhere!

Want to review or comment on this book?
Click here to login!

Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Click here for your Membership!