Explore The Mysteries of Western Britain In 'West: Tales Of The Lost Lands'
April 02, 2023 1:00 AM ‐ Books
This article is more than one year old.
In 'West: Tales of the Lost Lands', Martin Wall delves deep into the fascinating cultural history and literary landscape of the western Midlands of England.
Acclaimed author Martin Wall, known for his best-selling 'The Magical History of Britain', returns with another enthralling book, 'West: Tales of the Lost Lands.' This captivating read offers a unique exploration of the enigmatic 'Lost Lands' of western Britain, featuring a foreword by Robert Plant CBE, lead singer and lyricist of Led Zeppelin.
The "lost lands" refer to the border counties of England, including Shropshire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire, which constitute the area of the old Welsh Marches. Wall investigates the mysterious, liminal energy of the West and its influence on literature and his own life. A native of the region, Wall takes readers on a journey through the Lost Lands, uncovering the liminal energies that have shaped literature and his personal experiences.
Drawing from 2,000 years of history, this part personal memoir and part cultural history paints a vivid picture of the region's rich past. Wall masterfully weaves together anecdotes, folk legends, ghost stories, and fairy tales to create a compelling tapestry of the land and its people.
Having experienced a profound connection with the land from a young age, Wall acknowledges the lost psychical-energetic or spiritual identification with the land as proposed by Alfred Watkins. He believes that this connection can be re-established through conscious effort. Wall explores the lingering Celtic culture and beliefs, as well as the impact of historical figures and events such as Diana the Huntress, King Cnut, C. G. Jung, the Cwpan Nanteos, and the Severn River pirates.
In his examination of how the lands were 'lost,' Wall recounts the failed uprising of Boudicca and the killing of Penda. He describes the 7th-century night attack on Cynddylan's royal hall of Llys Pengwern, outside Shrewsbury, as 'the end of a civilisation which had endured for time beyond memory...the end of Celtic resistance in the lowlands.'
One intriguing tale featured in the book concerns Bella, who inspired the phrase "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?" This phrase has been sporadically written on the Wychbury Obelisk near the summit of Wychbury Hill in Hagley, Worcestershire, since the 1970s.
'West: Tales of the Lost Lands' is a must-read for those captivated by folk legends, ghost stories, and fairy tales. The book is available in Kindle, Kobo, iBook, and hardcopy formats. To embark on this personal, exciting, and wonderful journey with Martin Wall, visit amberley-books.com and order your copy today.
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