Holdstock, Robert. Celtika.HOLDSTOCK, Robert. Celtika. (Book One of The Merlin Merlin, in Arthurian legend, magician, seer, and teacher at the court of King Vortigern and later at the court of King Arthur. He was a bard and culture hero in early Celtic folklore. In Arthurian legend he is famous as a magician and as the counselor of King Arthur. Codex codex Manuscript book, especially of Scripture, early literature, or ancient mythological or historical annals. The earliest type of manuscript in the form of a modern book (i.e. .) Tor. 370p. c2001. 0-765-34904-3. $6.99. SA Holdstock's take on the Merlin myth casts Merlin as an itinerant ITINERANT. Travelling or taking a journey. In England there were formerly judges called Justices itinerant, who were sent with commissions into certain counties to try causes. magician living hundreds of years before his service to King Arthur King Arthur: see Arthurian legend. . Taking the name Antiokus, Merlin was one of the Argonauts Argonauts: see Jason; Argo; Golden Fleece. Argonauts In Greek legend, a band of 50 heroes who went with Jason in the ship Argo to retrieve the Golden Fleece from the grove of Ares at Colchis. traveling with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece Golden Fleece, in Greek mythology, the magic fleece of the winged ram that saved Phrixus and Helle, the children of Nephele and Athamas, from the jealousy of Ino, Athamas' second wife. . More than that, he was one of Jason's closest friends and was a witness to the brutal murder of Jason's sons. But he is long gone when Jason finally perishes, still anguished over his loss. Still, that's not the end for Jason: 700 years later, Merlin travels to a frozen lake in the far north to investigate the stories that it screams and finds the Argo at its bottom still carrying the body of Jason, caught between life and death and crying out for his sons over all that time. Merlin learns that Medea stole the boys, faking their deaths, and what is more, they are still alive. Jason and Merlin gather a new complement of companions and set off in search of Jason's sons. Holdstock's story is dense and complex and is best appreciated when informed by a background in history or mythology (or both). The narrative is gripping in a slow and quiet way; this is a book for thoughtful readers. The characterization is equally subtle and quiet with characters built of complex multiple layers. Give this to serious readers for a challenging and worthwhile read. S--Recommended for senior high school students. A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries. Donna Scanlon, Children's Libn., County Lib., Lancaster, PA |
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