The Phoenix Principle

by Stephen H. Provost

Who was Jesus? It is a question that has been asked and answered many times and in many ways throughout history. But in order to even begin addressing this question, the person of Jesus must be placed in historical and mythical context. Once this is done, some truly shocking answers emerge. Here is a man who was intent upon establishing the kingdom of God on earth in his own lifetime, a revolutionary leader with training in the mystical traditions of Egypt who would settle for nothing less than following in the footsteps of King Solomon, the pharaohs and the gods themselves.

The latest work from Stifyn Emrys examines not only Jesus but figures ranging from King Arthur to Moses, from Robin Hood to the Queen of Sheba. It provides a comprehensive look at a ritual tradition that spanned oceans and continents, centuries and millennia. Classical myths, historical accounts and faerie tales are mined to reveal the universal theme behind the principle of regeneration.

This is the essence of the Phoenix Principle. It is nothing less than the tradition that supported ancient kings in their kingdoms, preserved bloodlines through the ages and gave birth to modern western religion. It linked monarchs to their land and guided the epic struggle between the king and his chosen successor - between wizard and knight, between sun and shadow.

Journey back to the Garden of Eden, then forward with Gilgamesh and to the mystical isle of Dilmun, with Jason and his crew on the Argo, with Mary Magdalene to the garden tomb and with Arthur's knights in search of the Holy Grail. Much of what you uncover along the way will be surprising; some things may even be disturbing. Those who enjoyed Sir James Frazer's "Golden Bough" will find much of interest in the tapestry of myth, political intrigue and pagan ritual woven together in "The Phoenix Principle."

Genres: Spirituality

737 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2012

About the author

Stephen H. Provost writes fantasy adventures and historical nonfiction. A journalist with more than 30 years of experience and a former educator, he has worked as an editor, reporter, and columnist at four daily newspapers in California.

His works of fiction include "The Talismans of Time" and its sequel, "Pathfinder of Destiny"; the fantasy novels "Memortality" and its sequel, "Paralucidity"; the young adult science fiction adventure "Identity Break"; the novellas "The Only Dragon" and "Death's Doorstep"; and the "Twilight Zone"-inspired collection of short stories and dark poetry titled "Nightmare's Eve."

The author's nonfiction works include "Fresno Growing Up" and "Martinsville Memories" (history and nostalgia); "Highway 99: The History of California's Main Street" and "Highway 101: The History of El Camino Real (Americana and travel); "Yesterday's Highways" (Americana and travel); "A Whole Different League" (sports history); "The Legend of Molly Bolin" (sports biography); "Media Meltdown," "Political Psychosis" and "Jesus, You're Fired!" (commentary); "Please Stop Saying That! (humor, commentary); and "50 Undefeated" (history and inspiration).

His survey of American middle-sized cities and small towns, the Century Cities series, includes five titles so far: "Fresno Century," "San Luis Obispo Century," "Cambria Century," "Roanoke Century," and "Danville Century."

His extensive survey of ancient history, fable and mythology is contained in his Phoenix series of books.