The Real Middle-earth is a subject that rambles like the roots of a great oak – well beyond the boundaries of conventional disciplines. Over the decades spent researching this fascinating topic I have benefited from the generous help of people who have each, in their ways, explored the territory. It started with that great British writer on Zen and Tao, Alan Watts, who, from his retreat on Mount Tamalpais, encouraged me to rediscover the magic and mystery of ancient England. And then I was fortunate to have the advice, wisdom and Glaswegian humour of the eminent psychiatrist R. D. Laing. Both these men are long gone to the Otherworld, but I still honour their wit, their shapeshifting, and our many discussions into the wee hours.
Much more recently, friends and colleagues who advised me are legion; they know who they are, and I thank them all. I have space to mention a few, starting with anthropologist Dr Susan Greenwood, who teaches Shamanic Consciousness with me at the University of Sussex. I am grateful for her informed views on imaginal states of mind, and for her letting me read the draft of her forthcoming book Nature, Religion, and Magical Consciousness. Historian John Russell engaged with me in many lively and humorous discussions on the nature of historical evidence, the powers of wizards, and perspectives on Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Romani spiritual teacher (chovihano) Jasper Lee, and Lizzie Gotts, introduced me to the ‘little folk’ of the Jal tradition, and I am also grateful for Jasper’s healing presence after the car accident. Oneida tribal elder Professor Apela Colorado shared with me her profound understanding of the spiritual worlds of indigenous peoples and provided inspiring and practical support for my work in rediscovering knowledge from ancient Europe; stained-glass artist and sacred landscapes researcher Kathy Shaw kindly took me to visit the ancient yew of Ankerwyke and outlined her fascinating insights into the imagination-charged environment of ancient times; architect Susanne Nessensohn shared with me her visions of the Celtic Otherworld, and also her sensitive insights into King Redwald; and anthropologist Dr Merete Jakobsen provided invariably stimulating discussions of her research into shamans, the implications of magic – and the enchantment of stories.
For sustaining me throughout the writing I am grateful to Rachel Turner for her superb coaching; my literary agent Ed Victor, and my editors at Macmillan, Gordon Wise and Ingrid Connell, for knowledgeable advice and encouragement throughout. Also thanks to Jacqui Butler for her resourceful picture research. Last but not least, my family; Beth, Pearl and Robin unfailingly provided me with great ideas and loving support.