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by Dawn Prince-Hughes. A Victorian Novel. Paperback, 165 pages, ISBN = 1890711101. Published Empyrean Quest Publishers 6-01-2001. Price: $12.95 US. To Purchase Abbey Homepage. |  |
Book Description (Empyrean Quest Publishers): "You will not cut or groom your hair. You will not talk to another human being. You will not bathe. At the end of your time I’ll give you a title and a generous allowance for the rest of your life."
With these words, William Danby, master of the Swinton Estate, Yorkshire, offers a sensitive romantic an opportunity to live for seven years in a large, enclosed outdoor sanctuary. Adam Wedgwood finds within it a stone replica of a Druid temple, and within himself an opportunity to experience his ancient ancestors. Unable to function within a natural environment without food or clothing, he soon finds himself starving and delerious. At the point of death, he finds himself in the company of a humorous and wise wildman. This apparition clothes and feeds him, teaches him how to survive in the way of ancient man. He also initiates him with amusing sacrificial rites into an experience of oneness with his forebears from the dawn of time.
Dawn Prince-Hughes, an anthropologist, writes fiction that draws from actual events in England’s Romantic period. Ray Bradbury, noted SciFi author, has a well-worn preliminary copy of this book in his possession. Raised in a world of spirits, poltergeists, and angels, Cheyenne matures in a rich and humorous family life where the gifts of the spirit are commonplace. On her own in a world away from her family, her encounter with evil forces and an abusive husband lead her to ask God to take her spirit gifts away. She can only live like that for a time. Struck by lightning, and encouraged by signs, she is reborn to the spirit realm. This is the true life story of the author told as a novel, with names changed to make her personal saga more universal.
Abbey Reviews, 2-30-01: "Dr. Prince-Hughes has created a monument that goes far beyond the ‘noble savage’. She sends us deep into the recesses of the collective unconscious, illuminating with brilliant prose, the unity of the inmost soul with ancient ancestors." (copyright 2001, all rights reserved)