The Old House Attic » Cluttered Bookshelf

MZB’s Avalon Cycle of Books

Tim — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:14:52 +0000

One thing that often confuses people about the Avalon cycle of stories by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Diana Paxson is the order in which the books were written, the order that is best to read them and how it all falls on a time line. While one might be inclined to read them in chronological order by storyline, the best method is undoubtedly to go in the order in which they were written, beginning with The Mists of Avalon.

Books by Publish Date
The Mists of Avalon- 1979
The Fall of Atlantis- 1987
The Forest House- 1993
Lady of Avalon- 1997
Priestess Of Avalon- 2000
Ancestors of Avalon- 2004
Ravens of Avalon- 2007
Sword of Avalon- 2010

Books in Storyline Order
The Fall of Atlantis- While not officially part of the Avalon series, the plot is the catalyst for the recurring theme throughout all of the Avalon books and is referenced many times over as the people of Avalon are descended from Atlantis.

Ancestors of Avalon- 2000 BCE
Sword of Avalon- 1200 BCE
Ravens of Avalon- 61 CE
The Forest House- 81 CE
Lady of Avalon- Part I: 96 CE
Priestess Of Avalon- Part I and Part II (ch. 8-11): 259 CE
Lady of Avalon- Part II: 285 CE
Priestess Of Avalon- Part II (ch. 9 -14) and Part III: 293 CE
Lady of Avalon- Part III: 440 CE
The Mists of Avalon- 461 CE

CDs Worth Listening To

Tim — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:00:07 +0000

An Ancient Muse
by Loreena McKennitt
It’s been a decade since Loreena released a new recording and this highly anticipated set was well worth the wait. The Celtic/World artist has out done herself in transporting the listener by sound to ancient times and places.

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Wintersong
by Sarah McLachlan

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Celtic Woman

by Celtic Woman
What a stunning and moving performance! This concert features five superb Celtic musicians (four soloists and one violinist). The mix of traditional Irish tunes, a few Enya pieces and some new celtic numbers made for an unforgettable music experience. Even if you are not into Celtic music but like a soothing sound with a light pop mix, this is for you too. Any fan of Celtic music such as that of Enya or Loreena McKennitt will find this concert enjoyable. This is the DVD concert, but there is also a CD available as well.

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Mirabilis
by The Mediaeval Baebes

Mirabilis is a delightful gem for springtime. The Mediaeval Baebes reach into many times and realms for this album that includes both Christian and Goddess-inspired songs that speak of Mary – The Blessed Mother, Flora – the Goddess of Flowers

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The Visit
by Loreena McKennitt

Probably my favorite of all Loreena McKennitt’s music. This recording is particularly suitable for the Autumn and includes a number of tracks fitting to harvest time and Halloween. Superb!

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The Book of Secrets
by Loreena McKennit

Loreena McKennitt is unmatched in Celtic and World music. This recording is perfect for springtime and features the tune ‘The Mummers’ Dance,’ perfect for Ostara and Beltane.

DVDs Worth Watching

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:56:31 +0000

Loreena McKennitt: Nights from the Alhambra (Amaray – DVD + 2CD)
by Loreena McKennitt

This is Loreena’s first full-length concert on DVD and does not disappoint. It’s one of the most spectacular and memorizing concerts you will watch. The concert is completely self-funded by Ms. McKennitt and her magical touch is not only found in the fusion of world and Celtic music she writes and performs, but also in every aspect of this concert that features the breathtaking background of the Alhambra and stunning soundtrack.

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Into the West
by Steven Spielberg

A stunning and moving mini-series that tells an unbiased tale of the early years of this country. It follows the loves, lives, joys and sorrows of two families, one white and the other Native American. It is their story told from their respective perspectives spanning nearly 50 years.

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The Mists of Avalon
by Uli Edel

One of the most popular fantasy novels ever written is transformed into a brilliant miniseries starring Anjelica Huston and Julianna Margulies. While the story is slightly altered from the original novel to accommodate a TV audience, the magic that is Avalon and the goddess is still woven throughout the story. Although impossible to get ever detail of the 800+ novel into only four hours, the film did a good job of including the important points and by adding action and sword fights to the mix makes the film appealing to both men and women.