Description
This book is the result of the pressures exerted in modern life, culminating in a mental breakdown and the six years recuperation process following that collapse.
The book is an autobiographical account of a quest David set himself in search of the Celtic Holy Grail. David found relief from the clutches of depression and psychosis by immersing himself in what was originally a Celtic quest for the mythical land of 'Tir Tairngire' (Land of Promise); which he committed to paper as a form of therapy. It was during this quest that he stumbled backwards on the original source for the Holy Grail legend, firmly rooted in Celtic Mythology. For this purpose he considered himself an accidental Grail Knight seeking relief from psychological pressures and the elusive Holy Grail.
The outcome of this is David's first groundbreaking book, 'The Celtic Holy Grail Quest'. It is more than just a book; it is a journey both physically and mentally in search of his personal Grail. It is full of adventure and insights that encapsulate the difficult subject of depression and psychosis. It is meant as an aid to those who also suffer from mental illnesses and as a genuine search for the Holy Grail. It is a tumultuous tale through a maelstrom of emotions, culminating in revelations leading to peace and happiness.
It takes you on an exciting journey from David's original hometown of Nottingham, to various locations of historic significance in the UK; completing the journey in the West Midlands, visiting a host of European locations along the way, many of which are key elements to the Grail and the Celts.
During the course of the book, there are codes to unravel, dreams to interpret and demons to be faced. Every chapter brings forth new and exciting material in the labyrinth that leads you into the book. There is also much humour throughout the book, although the subject is of a serious nature, there are many amusing episodes. These are included as part of the quest and also as a kind of therapy, for 'Laughter is good for the soul.'
It is a mind-bending, soul-searching travelogue, a quest for a secret as old as time. A quest for healing; a story of the injuries inflicted on the modern mind and one man's battle to overcome his mental health problems.
About the Author
David's childhood days were spent immersed in books and in imaginary worlds of his own creation. He would secrete himself away and read for hours on end, unable to escape the fantastical world of the written word. He would write stories of his own, based on childhood adventures in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire. Trips down the stream that ran by his house became journeys of adventure into lost worlds, following it through darkened woodlands and haunted churchyards. He never shared these writings with anyone but his boyhood friends who went on these treks with him.
After leaving school he continued to write stories, but kept them to himself as his career in computing progressed. He made one exception, however, in that every Christmas in the spirit of M.R. James, he wrote a ghost story and recited it by the fireside.
At the peak of his profession as a computer consultant, then working at major international London banks, David had a breakdown. It was during the next six years of his life, now plagued by mental illness that David took to writing again. The result of this is David's first groundbreaking book, 'The Celtic Holy Grail Quest'.
David is also a published poet.