Labyrinthos Bibliography

We are frequently asked for advice on which books and publications contain the best information about labyrinths and mazes. The answer often depends on what kind of information one is seeking and how far into the depths of the labyrinthine literature you are prepared to search. This bibliography lists many of the items in the Labyrinthos collection and will hopefully provide suggestions for both the general and specialised reader on a host of particular topics.

The following titles, mostly still in print or available through libraries or second-hand booksellers, provide a selection recommended for their coverage of many apects of mazes and labyrinths. Between them they provide a selection to suit all tastes and interests and are particularly suitable for newcomers and general reading. Links that lead to more complete listings of books, papers and specialised sources, especially suited for those looking to delve deeper and for researchers and students, appear at the foot of certain sections.

General Introductions

Magical Paths - Labyrinths & Mazes in the 21st Century
Jeff Saward.
Mitchell Beazley, London, 2002. Published in French language as "Labyrinthes" by Flammarion, 2003.
Illustrated study of the current resurgence of mazes and labyrinths around the world, with a potted history and many beautiful photographs.

Mazes: Ancient & Modern
Robert Field.
Tarquin Publications, Diss, England, 1999.
Colourful introductory booklet on mazes and labyrinths, with good coverage of Roman mosaics and UK labyrinths (available from Labyrinthos).

The Unending Mystery - a Journey through Labyrinths and Mazes
David Willis McCullough
Anchor Books: New York, 2005.
Delightful to read and packed with solid information, one of the best introductions to both the historical and modern world of labyrinths and mazes avaialable.

Das Labyrinth - oder Die Kunst zu Wandeln
Ilse M. Seifried.
Haymon, Innsbruck, Austria, 2002.
Nicely illustrated German-language study of the modern labyrinth revival, with contributions from a number of artists and labyrinth builders currently active within the field (available from Labyrinthos).

Die Faszination der Labyrinth
Gernot Candolini.
Kösel, Munich, Germany, 2004.
German-language introduction to labyrinths and mazes, with plenty of practical advice on constructing labyrinth, a catalogue of labyrinths in German speaking Europe and full page labyrinth and maze designs designed for copying for creative projects.

Das Geheimnisvolle Labyrinth
Gernot Candolini.
Pattloch, Augsburg, Germany, 1999.
Well-illustrated German-language study of labyrinths, ancient and modern. Currently out of print.

The Art of the Maze
Adrian Fisher & Georg Gerster.
Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London, 1990. Reprinted by Seven Dials, London, 2000. Published in the USA as "Labyrinth - Solving the Riddle of the Maze" by Harmony Books, 1990.
Beautifully illustrated guide to mazes and labyrinths worldwide, with good detail of Adrian Fisher and Randoll Coate's early works and splendid aerial photography by Georg Gerster.

Labyrinths & Mazes
Jürgen Hohmuth
Prestel, New York, London & Munich, 2003. Published in German language as "Labyrinthe & Irrgärten."
Lavishly illustrated, large format picture book, with text contributions by various writers, featuring many Jürgen Hohmuth's remarkable photographs taken with a radio controlled balloon. A visual labyrinthine feast!

Labyrinths - Ancient Paths of Wisdom and Peace
Virginia Westbury.
Lansdowne Publishing, Sydney, Australia, 2001.
Well illustrated introduction to the labyrinth revival, with insight into the characters and reasons behind it all and a useful guide to the best labyrinths to visit worldwide.

Historical and Academic Studies

Labyrinths & Mazes - The Definitive Guide
Jeff Saward.
Gaia Books, London, 2003. Published in USA as "Labyrinths & Mazes - A Complete Guide" by Lark Books, New York, 2003, and in German language as "Das Große Buch der Labyrinthe und Irrgärten" by AT Verlag, Aarau & Munich, Germany, 2003.
With the latest discoveries and many previously unseen photographs and illustrations, this is the most up to date and comprehensive sourcebook for researchers, students and enthusiasts, experts and beginners alike. 224 pages and over 400 photos and illustration, plus extensive maps, tables, bibliography and resources.

Caerdroia - the Journal of Mazes & Labyrinths
Founded by Jeff Saward in 1980, each edition of Caerdroia contains a wealth of articles and notes on labyrinths and mazes worldwide and is an especially good source for the latest research, information and theories regarding the origins, history and distribution of labyrinths and mazes. It has now reached its 36th issue, although the first 27 are out of print. Issues 28-36 are available from Labyrinthos.

Through the Labyrinth
Hermann Kern, ed. Robert Ferré & Jeff Saward.
Prestel, Munich, 2000.
Definitive scholarly catalogue of historic labyrinths from around the world, now translated to English with addenda by Saward and Ferré, this updated edition has 360 pages, with 17 full-colour and 732 black-and-white illustrations. It is an essential (if expensive) addition to the bookshelf of all labyrinth enthusiasts.

Mazes and Labyrinths - Their History & Development
W.H. Matthews.
Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1922 - reprinted, Dover Publications, New York, 1970.
The 1922 classic study of the subject, now a rare collectors item, was reprinted in 1970 and remains a charming read, still full of facts and surprising snippets of information.

Mazes and Labyrinths
Nigel Pennick.
Robert Hale, London, 1990.
A wide-ranging study of maze and labyrinth history, especially in the UK and Europe, with particular discussion of the geomantic principles of labyrinths and their locations.

The Idea of the Labyrinth from Classical Antiquity through the Middle Ages
Penelope Reed Doob.
Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, 1990.
Heavy going in places, however, this scholarly study of labyrinths from classical antiquity through the mediaeval is an essential source of information on early written texts and authors that mention labyrinths, especially in philosophical and literary works.

L'universe Secret du Labyrinthe
Paul de Saint-Hilaire.
Robert Laffont, Paris, 1992.
French language guide to mazes and labyrinths, especially in Europe. Historically somewhat unreliable and with some curious speculative asides, but also contains an extensive illustrated gazetteer.

Alle Tiders Labyrinter
Jørgen Thordrup.
Dixit, Silkeborg, Denmark, 2002.
Nicely illustrated Danish language study of labyrinths with particular emphasis on Denmark and Scandinavia and much valuable documentation.

The Maze and the Warrior
Craig Wright.
Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2001.
Excellent scholarly study of the labyrinth symbol in mediaeval and renaissance architecture, theology and music. Despite the authors idiosyncratic use of the words labyrinth and maze, it contains many gems of information.

A full listing of general, historical and academic
sources is available here.

Folklore and Mythology

The Goddess in the Labyrinth
John Kraft.
Åbo Akademis, Turku, Finland, 1985.
Excellent study of the folklore and traditions associated with labyrinths worldwide (available from Labyrinthos).

Ariadne's Thread - Legends of the Labyrinth
Kimberly Lowelle Saward.
Labyrinthos, Thundersley, England, 2002.
Stories of labyrinth folklore and traditions from around the world.

The Quest for Theseus
Anne G. Ward (ed).
Pall Mall Press, London, 1970.
Long out of print, but worth finding for excellent coverage of the Theseus and Minotaur story and much more besides.

Spiritual & Practical Guides

Walking a Sacred Path - Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool
Lauren Artress.
Riverhead Books, New York, 1995.
A classic introduction to the labyrinth and its role in the field of spiritual psychology, hugely influential in the current spiritual revival of labyrinths. A new edition is currently in preparation.

Labyrinthe
Gernot Candolini.
Pattloch, Augsburg, Germany, 1999.
Potted history and full page plans of different labyrinth designs for drawing exercises, etc.

The Way of the Labyrinth: A Powerful Meditation for Everyday Life
Helen Curry.
Penguin Compass, New York, 2000.
A thoughtful guide to using the labyrinth in personal spiritual practice, as well as in ceremony and ritual for larger groups and communities.

Praying the Labyrinth / Living the Labyrinth
Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion.
Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, Ohio, 1999/2000.
Two books with questions and exercises to guide a pilgrim's journey on the labyrinth are offered along with scriptural selections to broaden the context.

Labyrinths: Ancient Myths & Modern Uses
Sig Lonegren.
Sterling Publishing, New York, 2001.
Originally published by Gothic Image in England, 1990, this instructional labyrinth workbook, with its wide-ranging study of labyrinth mythology, earth energies, and suggestions for practical usage, remains both influential and innovative.

Finding Fulfilment
Liz Simpson.
Piatkus, London, 2000.
Presents a sensible and broad outline for a self-guided process using the labyrinth to promote healthy change in one's life.

Labyrinth: Pathway to Meditation and Healing
Helen Raphael Sands.
Gaia Books, London, 2000. Published in the USA as "The Healing Labyrinth" by Barrons, 2000.
Beautifully illustrated discussion of labyrinth design, history and use. Includes clear instructions for creating labyrinths and open-ended suggestions for possible construction materials and ceremonial uses, etc.

The Spirituality of Mazes & Labyrinths
Gailand MacQueen.
Northstone Publishing, Kelowna, BC, Canada, 2005.
Engaging study of the spiritual and philosophical aspects of labyrinths and mazes, with nice illustration and plenty of practical suggestions for further exploration.

Philosophical Studies, etc.

The Labyrinth in Culture and Society
Jacques Attali.
North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, 1999.
Historically muddled study of the philosophy and function of mazes and labyrinths. Despite numerous factual errors, the conclusions are none the less thought provoking.

The Labyrinth: Symbol of Fear, Rebirth, and Liberation
Helmut Jaskolski.
Shambhala, Boston, Massachusetts and London, 1997.
Well researched, this reflective and playful study of the labyrinth motif ranging from ancient myths, mediaeval tales to modern fiction is well worth reading.

Il Labirinto Metrico di Oronzo Pasquale Macri
Cosimo Giannuzzi
Congedo Editore, Lecce, Italy, 2004
Italian-language study of metrical labyrinth manuscripts - verses and texts formed as printed labyrinths, often with various interpretations according to how they are read. Fascinating material with a long tradition throughout Europe.

The Mystic Spiral - Journey of the Soul
Jill Purce.
Thames and Hudson, London, 1974.
Nicely illustrated introductory study of spirals and labyrinthine patterns in artistic and spiritual traditions from around the world.

Rosegarden and Labyrinth
Seonaid M. Robertson
Routledge & Kegan Paul, London, 1963. 2nd edition, 1981.
A classic exploration of art therapy, with sections on the theme of labyrinths, protective enclosures and gardens.

Maze & Puzzle Books

SuperMazes
Robert Abbott.
Prima Publishing, Rocklin, California, 1997.
Mind-bending mazes (and their solutions) with a good overview of maze theory and history. Fun and educational.

Amazing Art
Christopher Berg.
HarperCollins, New York, 2001.
An entertaining mix of puzzle mazes and historical asides, based on the wonders of the ancient world.

Mind-Bending Maze Puzzles
Lagoon Books, London, 1999.
With mazes contributed by Adrian Fisher, Robert Abbott, Randoll Coate, Ed Pegg, Steve Ryan and others, this colourful little book contains 70 maze puzzles, ranging from simple to downright fiendish, from some of the current leading creators of mazes.

Secrets of the Maze
Adrian Fisher & Howard Loxton.
Thames & Hudson, London, 1997.
With colourful illustration and a potted history of mazes, this ingenious large format book of mazes and labyrinths from around the world comes complete with puzzles and solutions (available from Labyrinthos).

Mazes and Labyrinths - a book of puzzles
Walter Shepherd. Dover; New York, reprinted 1961.
Fifty entertaining black-and-white amusements, demonstrating a wide variety of maze techniques with imaginative themes and artwork.

Children's Books

108 Ways to Use Labyrinths in Schools
Gael Hancock
Labyrinthos, Thundersley, England, 2004
An ideal introduction for labyrinth use in schools, with 108 suggested labyrinth-related activities for kids of all ages, with anecdotes and diagrams (available from Labyrinthos).

Mind-Boggling Mazes & Loopy Labyrinths
Prestel, Munich, London & New York, 2004.
Published in the Adventures in Art series for children, this 36 page full colour hardcover book contains a wealth of photos, diagrams, ideas and activities and some sound historical information besides. Fun and colourful, it's an ideal introduction for children of all ages, and ideal for school project work - grow your own mustard & cress maze - splendid stuff! (available from Labyrinthos).

The Secret Path
Nick Butterworth
Harper Collins (Picture Lions), London, 1994.
A delightfully illustrated book for young children, telling how Percy the park keeper clipped his overgrown hedge maze by hand in a day (including topiary!!) and had a suprise at the centre. Contains a fold-out aerial view of the maze to solve. Good fun to read!

The Snow Maze
Jan Mark, illus. Jan Ormerod.
Walker Books, London, 1992.
An illustrated story for developing readers about a lonely boy who discovers a lost turf maze, a friend and his confidence. Excellent on many levels, and good for class discussions.

Rolf Heimann's Ultimaze Book
Rolf Heimann
Scholastic Publications, London, 1994.
Thirteen very different colourful mazes that delight the eye. Rolf Heimann has produced several other maze puzzle books including Amazing Mazes and Awesome Alpha Maze Book.

How Amazing
Charles Snape & Heather Scott
Cambridge University Press, England, 1992.
Informative children's book of maze puzzles, with historical background, games and puzzles.

Black Ships Before Troy
Rosemary Sutcliffe, illus. Alan Lee.
Frances Lincoln, London, 1993.
Splendidly illustrated re-telling of the story of the fall of Troy from the Illiad of Homer. Written with flair and historical accuracy, it is suitable for older children and adults alike! A companion volume, The "Wanderings of Odysseus", by the same publishers, 1995, re-tells the story of the Odyssey in the same style.

Literature

Labyrinths
Jorge Luis Borges.
Penguin Books, London & New York, 1970.
A classic collection of labyrinthine tales and essays from the Argentinian master storyteller.

The Name of the Rose
Umberto Eco.
Secker & Warburg, London, 1983.
Eco's wonderful medieval murder mystery, set within the confines of a castle with its mysterious labyrinthine library. Essential reading for labyrinth enthusiasts and bibliophiles alike.

The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break
Steven Sherril.
Picador, New York, 2002.
Imagine the Minotaur reborn and living in a trailer park, working in a diner in the deep south of the USA. Original and moving, this novel is a dark reflection of modern life and relationships.

Larry's Party
Carol Shields.
1997, Fourth Estate, London, 1997.
Winner of the 1998 Orange Prize, this is "an ironic odyssey through the life of a modern man," from the perspective of Larry Weller. A journey that takes him from florist to international maze designer, via two failed marriages, with reflections on what it means to be a man living at the end of the 20th century. Apart from being a cracking novel, it uses hedge mazes, with their "controlled chaos and contrived panic", as a recurrent theme.