title: The Mystical Way and the Arthurian Quest
author:  Derek Bryce 
description: The Arthurian Quest, and the Quest for the Holy Grail, is really about an ancient initiation rite that came to be romanticized during the Middle Ages and is characterized by a variety of deeper meanings than just the literal one. the Mystical Way And The Arthurian Quest sets the Arthurian quest within the context of the mystical quest in general, making a spiritual "journey" to the center of the heart, represented symbolically in the Arthurian saga by the Holy Grail. The Mystical Way And The Arthurian Quest introduces readers to the esoteric side of comparative religion, in order to provide a context in which the Arthurian quest can be understood. It includes a discussion of the quest after the Middle Ages, to further explain our thirst for the spiritual journey. The Mystical Way And The Arthurian Quest concludes with an insightful discussion of the relevance of the quest to modern times. Thoughtful reading in the western "mystery" tradition. -- <i>Midwest Book Review</i>
zlib_text: 
  
  
  See Life, the Universe and Everything, Chapter 18 About thirty feet behind
  Arthur was another pole, and, alone amongst the sparse forest of about three
  dozen poles, the top of it was occupied. It was occupied by an old man who, in
  turn, seemed to be occupied by profound thoughts that were making him scowl.
  
    
  "Excuse me," said Arthur. The man ignored him. Perhaps he couldn't hear him.  
    
  The breeze was moving about a bit. It was only by chance that Arthur had heard
  the slight cough.  
    
  "Hello?" called Arthur. "Hello!"  
    
  The man at last glanced round at him.  
    
  He seemed surprised to see him. Arthur couldn't tell if he was surprised and
  pleased to see him or just surprsised.  
    
  "Are you open?" called Arthur.  
    
  The man frowned in incomprehension.  
    
  Arthur couldn't tell if he couldn't understand or couldn't hear.  
    
  "I'll pop over," called Arthur. "Don't go away."  
    
  He clambered off the small platform and climbed quickly down the spiralling
  pegs, arriving at the 