Labyrinths & Mazes

by Jeff Saward

Based on over 25 years of research, and taking two years to produce, this lavishly illustrated study contains the latest discoveries and interpretations, plus many previously unseen colour photographs and illustrations. Bringing together historical labyrinths and mazes from around the world, it tells the story of the labyrinth, from prehistory to modern times.

Labyrinths & Mazes is the most accessible, comprehensive and up-to-date sourcebook, for researchers, students and enthusiasts, experts and beginners alike. With 224 pages and over 400 photographs and illustrations, plus extensive maps, tables, bibliography, resources and index, Jeff Saward, a world authority on mazes and labyrinths, documents their complex history and explores the diversity of labyrinths and mazes worldwide.

Table of contents

Introduction: tracing the origins and mythology of the labyrinth; the construction of the labyrinth symbol and the terminology and typology of labyrinths and mazes.
Ancient Origins: from the earliest prehistoric petroglyphs, artefacts & graffiti, to the mosaics of Roman villas and civic buildings.
Asia, Indonesia and the Americas: labyrinth traditions from around the world.
Christianity and the Medieval Mind: labyrinths in manuscripts, churches and cathedrals.
Labyrinths of Turf and Stone: the turf labyrinths of Britain and Germany and their stone-laid counterparts in Scandinavia and Russia.
Garden Labyrinths and Mazes: the labyrinth as a source of inspiration for garden ornamentation and design from medieval times to the modern day.
The Modern Revival: the resurgence and development of modern mazes and the revival of the labyrinth as a historical, spiritual and artistic archetype.

224 pages with 400+ colour photographs and illustrations, maps, tables, extensive bibliography & index.

Hardback 1st edition published by Gaia Books, London, 2003.
Paperback 1st edition published by Lark Books, New York, 2003.

Note: both editions are now out of print - I suggest you try Amazon.com or another online second-hand bookseller to see if you can locate a copy of this title - it's becoming increasing difficult to find.