Released on = December 19, 2006, 3:52 pm

Press Release Author = Gary R. Varner

Industry = Media

Press Release Summary = Gary R. Varner, a member of the American Folklore Society
and the Foundation for Mythological Studies, has recently released a book on the
symbolism found in European and American architecture-including gargoyles,
grotesques and Green Men.

Press Release Body = Gary R. Varner, a member of the American Folklore Society and
the Foundation for Mythological Studies, has recently released a book on the
symbolism found in European and American architecture-including gargoyles,
grotesques and Green Men. Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death: Ancient
Symbolism in European and American Architecture traces the history of gargoyles from
ancient Greece and Egypt to contemporary Manhattan and San Francisco. In his seventh
book on folklore and symbolism, Varner provides a look at the strange and grotesque
images we see everyday on our churches, banks and in our cemeteries. Images with
origins far older than the structures they adorn.

Illustrated with over 50 photos taken in Britain and across the United States,
Varner tells how these carvings became acceptable on Christian churches even though
their origins and meanings were primarily pagan.

What are the meanings behind these grotesque creatures, these gargoyles that create
a sense of humor and fear at the same time? Why are carvings of griffins and
dragons, unicorns and Green Men found throughout the world on churches and
cathedrals, government buildings and even apartment buildings?

This is a book for anyone interested in symbolism and folklore, architectural
history and the development of religions.

The author has written six other books on folklore and myth, including \"The Mythic
Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature; Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of
Stone, both published by New York academic press, Algora Publishing and a new book
to be released by Algora in the Spring of 2007, Creatures in the Mist. Varner is
nearing completion of another book titled The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of
Evil, which is a historic and ethnographic study of indigenous witchcraft around the
world and the terrible witch killings that continue today.

Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death will be available everywhere in February
2007. Varner is available for interviews and may be reached at
gary_varner@yahoo.com.


Web Site = http://www.authorsden.com/garyrvarner

Contact Details = Gary R. Varner
PO Box 15635
Sacramento, CA 95852

gary_varner@yahoo.com