The Mythic Forest, the Green Man And the Spirit of Nature: The Re-emergence of the Spirit of Nature from Ancient Times into Mode

A prolific writer about contemporary paganism and pagan themes generally, Varner here turns his attention to The Green Man as an avatar of trees in particular and the vegetable world in general. His first section sets the stage by reviewing ideas and beliefs about the spirit of nature, sacred groves, and May Day. He draws heavily on research from the late 19th and early 20th century, some of which has been academically refuted but much of which was simply discarded as not useful to the coming industrial paradise. Annotation 穢2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)