Courting the Wild Twin
Embracing the wild self through ancient narratives
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Chelsea Green Publishing UK
Published:5th Oct '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores ancient tales that reveal the wild twin within us all, encouraging readers to embrace their true selves and navigate modern life.
In Courting the Wild Twin, Martin Shaw, a renowned scholar and mythologist, delves into the depths of two ancient European fairy tales that explore the concept of the 'wild twin' within each individual. Through these narratives, he invites readers to become storytellers, encouraging them to confront the challenges of modern life with creativity and courage. This book serves as a powerful antidote to the shallow thinking that often pervades contemporary society, urging a return to deeper, more meaningful reflections on existence.
Shaw brings readers to the 'ragged edge of the dark wood', a metaphorical space where one can reconnect with the estranged self that society tends to overlook. He posits that embracing this wild twin is essential for living a life of purpose. By engaging with these stories, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, recognizing the importance of the wild aspects of their identity that have been suppressed in the pursuit of conformity.
Courting the Wild Twin ultimately presents storytelling as a secret weapon, one that can empower individuals to reclaim their true selves and navigate the complexities of life. Shaw's insights remind us that our wild twin holds the key to a more authentic existence, making this book a vital resource for anyone seeking to explore the depths of their own identity and creativity.
‘Terrifically strange and thrilling. One for all you storytellers.’—Melissa Harrison, author of All Among the Barley
‘This magical book underlines the ability of storytelling to rewrite reality while functioning as a practical—and highly personal—guide to the rewilding of the self.’—David Keenan, author of For the Good Times
‘Courting the Wild Twin revels in the fabulous—the alchemy of story, primaeval nouse and narrative. Shaw is proof of William Blake’s adage that “Truth can never be told so as to be understood and not believed.” A thrilling exploration of ancient ambiguity, this book digs deep into the miraculous mulch of myth.’—Dan Richards, author of Outpost
‘A book that comprehends the forests of the soul, written with fierce courage and audacious wildness.’—Jay Griffiths, author of Wild
‘This remarkable, powerful, provocative and timely book is about the same size as your smartphone. Carry it in your other pocket, and every time you reach for your phone, take this out instead. Give your imagination, your activism, your poetic/mythic self some soul food. That’s what I did, and it delighted me every time.’—Rob Hopkins, author of From What Is to What If
‘Martin Shaw turns words into stories and stories into unpredictable excursions in search of the Wild Twin within each and all. He reveals the importance of this often exiled, yet deeply necessary inner otherness, the very part that holds the secret sense of rapport and essential relatedness that entwines human nature with the heart of Mother Nature.’—Michael Meade, author of Awakening the Soul
‘Courting the Wild Twin beckons us to step through the doorway that stories create, and reveals a pathway to awakening our relationship with the world around—and with ourselves.’—Dee Dee Chainey, author of A Treasury of British Folklore
ISBN: 9781915294326
Dimensions: 197mm x 127mm x 26mm
Weight: 567g
144 pages