The Living Stream by James Rattue
Holy wells are an ancient and notable feature of the landscape, and one in which there seems to be a growing interest. However, until now there has been no historical survey of their development. James Rattue examines the archetypal motifs present in the cult of water and traces the development of the holy well in England from its beginnings to its latter-day relevance for the pagan and environmental movements. In discussing the influences which have altered the wells, including the conversion of pagan wells to Christian ones, Rattue draws together many pieces of hitherto neglected evidence - medieval bishops harnessing popular superstitions, a borough fighting an abbey for controlover the water supply, the violent well-rituals of Alnwick, the current revival of interest in pagan ritual - and throughout he relates the phenomenon of the holy well to the broader context of the society around it, enabling itschanging identities and significance to be grasped.
Excellent and innovative historical study.. Rattue steers us clearly through a succinct exposition of the origins, changes in use, and development of popular and elite rituals covering British wells and springs... an invaluable history of their cultural importance to local communities, stripping away the false accretions of centuries of romantic myth and legend. ALBION The holy well is the absolute combination of mystery and utility. There are hundreds of them still to be found, some easily, others with good maps. This useful book lists them all, and in so doing takes us into the realm of a still little-known spiritual area... It also leads us through many exceedingly interesting though remote areas of Celtic and English Christian history. RONALD BLYTHE, TABLET Seminal, original and genuinely historical study whose fresh waters flow into many fields. CHURCH HISTORY [US] An enterprisingly stimulating book. * ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW *
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780851156019 |
| ISBN 10 | 0851156010 |
| Title | The Living Stream |
| Author | James Rattue |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Boydell & Brewer Ltd |
| Year published | 1995-08-24 |
| Number of pages | 191 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |