I would like to welcome all of the new subscribers to my newsletter. For those of you who have not visited my AuthorsDen site lately, my latest book, “The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature,” has just been released by Algora Publishers and may be purchased from any of the online retailers as well as from your local bookshop. This book is a re-examination of the history of the Green Man as an architectural motif and is illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs taken in Wales, Ireland, England and across the United States. The presence of the Green Man in America has pretty much been ignored and this book will try to fill in the gaps. In addition, this is the first major look at the Green Man image appearing on secular buildings rather than on ecclesiastical structures.

Additionally the book delves into the mythos and folklore of trees, groves and nature spirits and how all of these tie into the Green Man. I hope that you will give the book a look and let me know what your impressions are.

I am also near completion on another book called “Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings Around the World: A Study in Comparative Mythology”. This book is an examination of the universal folklore concerning wild men, fairies, giants, vampires and related creatures. A premise of the book is that there is evidence indicating that some of these beings at least actually existed at one time and may still share space with human beings.

And, finally, I have begun a book which examines the universality of witches and how the concept of the witch as being evil originated and evolved. This book is not concerned with the New Age witch, or Wiccan, but those who have existed in most every tribal society around the world, their common traits, powers and characteristics and the fear that they have inspired. Tentatively titled “The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil--Origin and Evolution”, the book will also look at the anti-witchcraft laws in existence since ancient Babylon. This volume is in a very early stage but more information will be offered as it grows towards completion.

If any of you have questions or comments about my work or website (www.authorsden.com/garyrvarner) please let me know. You can e-mail me at paganessays@yahoo.com.