The Stones of Mithras is a beautiful and evocative book of poetry and prose from author and actor Tim Dalgleish. This contemporary traveller's tale is full of unforgettable historical images of lost and ancient cities (especially those of Spain). The poems talk of the inspiration of great Art, philosophizing over a cup of coffee, Greek and Roman architecture and mythology and the joy of sitting in parks and imagining the exploits of travellers and writers that went before, from Marco Polo to Maimonides to Marcuse, El Greco and Lorca and even the romance of acting Shakespeare. The author describes the poems as: 'Secular religiosity, a non-believers paganism... reflecting my joy at splashing about in the cross currents that blended Roman, Visigoth, Muslim, Jew and Christian in the great mezcla that is Spanish history.' He adds: 'If you have the feeling of freedom in your heart you begin to look at all things in the world, cornflowers, cigarettes, smoke, clouds, sky, statues, whatever is nearest to hand or vividly remembered as embodied with, soaked in, painted by, the simple magic of light.' 'Light and especially sunlight has always made me feel everything good is possible. In a world of tragedy and chaos, an individual needs a place, a feeling, a hideout, to settle and renew their thoughts and energies. For me a sun filled day is that hideout.'
About the Author: Tim Dalgleish is an actor, writer and filmmaker. He writes for the 'History of Britain Magazine' and is the author of a variety of books in different genres. His first short book was 'The Guerilla Philosopher' a literary study of the prolific writer and philosopher Colin Wilson. He followed this with 'Lifting it of the Page' an oral history about The Open University and its origins. 'Reflections In The Mirror City' edited by Mark Niel includes a selection of his poetry. 'Scotland Before Scotland: Alt Clut the Kingdom of The Rock' is a fascinating account of a forgotten ancient celtic kingdom. He's also a playwright with a dozen plays to his name including 'The Collector' (an authorized version of John Fowles' novel) and 'Artaud'(about the French playwright). He works with 'Voices of the Holocaust Theatre Company' developing plays on the 'lost' voices of individuals such as Mordechai Anielewicz student leader of the Warsaw Uprising. His directorial debut 'Beat' a short documentary on Allen Ginsberg was selected for the Flux Film Festival.