Within the world there are certain objects; talismans if you like; that seem to possess a curious almost magical power. Like Aladdin s lamp; ownership of such objects is a matter of destiny; and changes in ownership can signify even apocalyptic events. This book concerns another talisman; perhaps the oldest and greatest of them all: the Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny. To look at it is to see an unassuming worn block of stone with simple iron handles protruding from its sides. Yet the mythology surrounding it is extraordinary. It predates even the Ark of the Covenant by hundreds if not thousands of years. What secrets does this Stone possess? What is its destiny? Author Adrian Gilbert looks at the stone in a way never before attempted and shows how its very dimensions provide hidden evidence that links it both to the pyramids of Egypt and to the Druidic religion of Britain; and finally to its prophetic destiny.
#735612 in Books Acropolis Books Inc 1988-05Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 6.50 x 1.50l; #File Name: 0874918855435 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating and unique autobiographyBy EmmaAs a personal account; Robert Robinson's story is both tragic and (surprisingly) inspirational. Robinson left the US as an ambitious; driven; optimistic young man in his early 20's; eager to find better professional opportunities; in part so that he could help his mother financially. He never saw her again! Despite numerous attempts; he was unable to escape the Soviet Union until he was almost 70. He was nearing 80 when he finally returned to live in the US. Robinson's adult life in the USSR was one of stark deprivation; pervasive fear; broken promises; never being able to trust or get close to anyone because KGB informants were everywhere; and as a result; loneliness.At multiple points; as I read his story; it reminded me of different Langston Hughes poems; particularly "Dreams" and "Harlem (Dream Deferred);" two of my favorite poems. How ironic; since Langston Hughes was one of a long parade of prominent African-Americans who met Robinson while visiting the Soviet Union; but refused to do anything to help him escape after learning of his plight! Assistance came instead from the most unexpected and unlikely places and people; including Idi Amin. Ultimately; Robinson's life story is a bittersweet testament to the human spirit and the ability to survive and strive despite repeated disappointment in a seemingly hopeless situation. I'm glad he eventually regained his freedom; found love and companionship late in life; and just before his death; regained something that he dearly wanted back--his US citizenship.Robert Robinson's story caught my attention because I first visited the Soviet Union as a student; as it morphed into Russia. Although this is clearly meant as a personal autobiography and Robinson attempted to be apolitical his entire life; he provides an insightful; fascinating; honest; boots-on-the-ground perspective on how Russian thinking evolved (in reaction to the end of the Czarist regime) into what we have even today--a dichotomy between what is publicly preached and reality.Superficially; Russia has changed dramatically since the collapse of communism and the Iron Curtain and is barely recognizable when compared to the ethos of Stalin's workers' "paradise." A century after the People's Revolution by the Bolsheviks; Russia has gleaming new buildings; a fashionable beau monde; an ever increasing number of newly minted billionaires; and a consumer-driven; fashion- and status-conscious middle class. But the reality; particularly in terms of transparency; due process; freedom; and human rights? Little has changed beneath the shiny new 21st-century facade. Thus; Robinson's well-written story and the insights he provides remain as relevant today as they were when published thirty years ago.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wow. What a PictureBy AramovichJust beginning it and am already enthralled. Superb tale of Stalinist and later Russia and a black person's experiences with totalitarian life as a true outsider.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Black On Red is a BRILL book!By Mike BryantEnthralling read! Says MUCH about the candy-floss façade of The Former Soviet Union; particularly the charade of "racial harmony"... A *must have* for ANY home library!
