(Merlin and the Discovery of Avalon in the New World) [By: Phillips, Graham] [Sep, 2005]

by Graham Phillips

The first book to present the true identity of the mythic figure Merlin Uncovers historical evidence that the legend of Merlin was based on the life of a real man Reveals that Avalon, Merlin’s final resting place, was an island in the United StatesThe legendary figure Merlin is known throughout the world as the wizard of Camelot who was counselor to King Arthur and helped that monarch create the Round Table. Through the course of a 20-year investigation Graham Phillips has uncovered evidence that this famous story was based on the life of an actual historical the son of a Roman consul who became the last of the Romans to rule Britain in the fifth century A.D. Furthermore, the evidence reveals that he died and was buried in what is now the United States.According to legend, Merlin ended his life on the mystical island of Avalon. A 1500-year-old saga tells how Merlin left Britain on a boat bound for a mysterious island to the west. The places described in Merlin’s voyage, Phillips argues, would only have been seen by someone who had journeyed to the New World. For example, the island where boiling fountains bubble from the ground could be the geysers of Iceland, and the island with rivers of ice, the glaciers of Greenland.During his research Phillips discovered that a site believed to be Merlin’s grave was found by the first British settlers in North a secret location said to have been preserved in the works of William Shakespeare and the coded writings of the Freemasons. Phillips follows a trail of historical clues that leads ultimately to a mysterious New England tomb. Here a final encrypted message not only reveals the whereabouts of Merlin’s grave but contains evidence that Merlin’s descendants still survive and, through a merger with the Spencer family of Princess Diana, may once again ascend the British throne.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical

Paperback

First published October 12, 2005

About the author

Graham Phillips is a British author.
Phillips has a background working as a reporter for BBC radio and as a magazine editor.

Wikipedia - Graham Phillips

Reviews

[Hannah Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have always found these types of investigative books fascinating because the perspective a lot of the authors have is fresh and interesting. I can honestly say some of his conclusions are ones that would never have occurred to me and the way he tells his story is so exiting it can often feel like you're reading a novel. It definitely gave me some things to think about and kept me turing pages and that makes this a good book to me.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

While passably well-written, there are elements of the author's personal tale that seem a bit self-aggrandizing. Perhaps nefarious characters were pursuing him and his historian friend, Glynn Davis, but the almost off-hand mentions of the break-in of the author's flat and car, and the surveillance and possible poisoning of Davis with no mention of any police involvement at all give the incidents the air of having been invented to enhance the drama of the chase. However, the theory put forth is an interesting one, and the evidence presented is reasonably sound and easy to follow. There is no reason to suppose that Merlin, like Arthur, wasn't also based upon an historical figure, and Phillips seems to have put the pieces of recorded history together to solidly support such a possibility. The book is worth a read for the exploration of what is most likely the 'real' Merlin, even if the revelations are set amidst often clumsy personal anecdotes.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read! I rather enjoy Graham Phillips.

[Sarah McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing read!

This book had me on the edge of my seat quite often and had me driving my family mad with random historical facts that I absolutely could not get enough of. When the book ended I wanted desperately for there to be more. I've always had a fascination with this subject matter and the lively writing style used really helped me sink deep into this topic. I would absolutely suggest this book to anyone with an interest in this time period or the historical bases of the Merlin.

[Robert L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant essay in a "what if" study of a search for the literary "Merlin" in Britain and New England!

Fascinating literary search that draws in numerous ideas and writings that somehow go together. Another terrific book by Graham Phillips!

[K.J. Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast your doubts aside; the information is well researched and presented in a way that while he states his own theory you have enough form your own. Excellent read, great material.

[Todd R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for what it is..a hackneyed attempt at scholarship wrapped up in an Indiana Jones style adventure> Not factual by any means, but certainly a good diversion for awhile.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mr. I know it all

[Rebecca Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much...conjecture.