The Quest for the Celtic Key [Paperback]

In this anthology of nine chapters, each introducing a different topic, the authors explore the history and legends about the Scottish 'origin-myth'; the history of the Druids; stone circles, megaliths and early sacred sites; the early saints of Scotland; the Culdees; Scottish Arthurian traditions; the Holy Grail; Masonic and medieval Guild traditions of Edinburgh; and Rosslyn Chapel.

In addition to examining historical sources from academic libraries, government and museum archives and antiquarian books, the authors also bring to light some of the lesser known aspects of certain areas of Scottish history, while being careful to separate history from myth. The result is a well-researched, readable, and important contribution to Scottish and Celtic studies, for both those new to these subjects or not.

History is a Quest, or journey, through time. Today, as never before, there is tremendous growing interest in the history of western philosophical and spiritual traditions. Since the beginning of devolution and the new Scottish Parliament, interest in Scotland is also growing tremendously.

In this ground-breaking book, medieval religious historian and Celtic scholar Ralls-MacLeod and local Scottish historian Robertson describe the people, places, and traditions associated with Scotland's past.

The authors explore the history of the origin-myth of the Scots, the Declaration of Arbroath, the Stone of Destiny, the 'missing library' of Iona, the Picts, the Druids, stone circles and megalithic sites, the Celtic saints, the Culdees, the Celtic church, the 'Word', Scottish Arthurian traditions, the Holy Grail, the Guild traditions of medieval Edinburgh, Robert the Bruce, the battle of Bannockburn, Royal Order of Scotland, William Wallace, Rosslyn Chapel, the Knights Templar, the Blue Blanket, and much more.

In addition to examining historical sources from library, government, and museum archives, or academic and rare antiquarian books, the authors also bring to light some of the lesser known, sidelined, or previously unacknowledged aspects of history from credible sources that for one reason or another, may not have made it into the history books.

The result is a riveting read of historical detective work and a 'first' of its kind... seen by some as a real Scottish tour de force. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Ian Robertson is a local Scottish researcher with a special interest in Edinburgh and Midlothian history, folk traditions and legends. A member of Masonic research groups, he has presented lectures to a number of Scottish Masonic lodges in recent years. He lives in the Edinburgh area.