The Return of Merlin

The Return of Merlin: Star Lore and the Patterns of History

The figure of Merlin has seen a revival in recent years, especially in the form of cultural icons such as Obi wan Kenobi, Gandalf and Dumbledore.

This fascinating new book looks at the two main Merlin traditions: the cosmic Merlin of the stars, part of the Arthurian legends; and the earthly Merlin of nature, grounded in human history. Gordon Strachan, author of Jesus the Master Builder, takes us on a compelling journey through Merlin’s stories.

He discovers a remarkable pattern: Merlin-esque characters, and events relating to Merlin, reappear throughout British history in roughly 700-year cycles. He considers where else in history we can see this pattern emerging, and challenges readers to find their own links to history based on their birth dates.

About the Author

Gordon Strachan (1934-2010) was a lecturer, church minister and independent thinker. He is the author of six books: The Pentecostal Theology of Edward Irving; Christ and the Cosmos (later republished as The Bible’s Hidden Cosmology); Jesus the Master Builder; Chartres: Sacred Geometry, Sacred Space; The Return of Merlin; and Prophets of Nature.