Adam
Dawn Prince-Hughes.
Victorian fiction. Paperback, 167 pgs.,
ISBN 1890711101. Published 6/01.
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE! (Except at $950? on Amazon!)
Today's Librarian (May 2001)
"Prince-Hughes introduces her own concept of man in his natural state: hairy yet beautiful, ignorant yet educated, wild yet wise. The story, based on an actual event in England's Romantic period, centers on Adam Wedgwood. Sensitive and romantic, Adam takes up a nobleman's challenge and promises to live for seven years as a hermit. He won't shave, clean himself or have any human contact. If Adam fulfills his pledge, he will receive a title and lands to support him. Unable to function, however, Adam nearly dies and is saved by Slaugh, described in the introduction as "the composite of all human ancestors." Slaugh shows Adam how the world used to be and the way it should be: untamed but in complete balance. This creative fiction weaves together elements of English anthropology, Celtic tales and Druidic mysticism in prose and poetry. An interesting short read for anyone who dreams of the magical world within the human conscious."
In Touch With Ancient Ancestors
"You will not cut or groom your hair. You will not talk to another human being. You will not bathe. At the end of your time I’ll give you a title and a generous allowance for the rest of your life."
With these words, William Danby, master of the Swinton Estate, Yorkshire, offers a sensitive romantic an opportunity to live for seven years in a large, enclosed outdoor sanctuary. Adam Wedgwood finds within it a stone replica of a Druid temple, and within himself an opportunity to experience his ancient ancestors. Unable to function within a natural environment without food or clothing, he soon finds himself starving and delerious. At the point of death, he finds himself in the company of a humorous and wise wildman. This apparition clothes and feeds him, teaches him how to survive in the way of ancient man. He also initiates him with amusing sacrificial rites into an experience of oneness with his forebears from the dawn of time.
Dawn Prince-Hughes, an anthropologist, writes fiction that draws from actual events in England’s Romantic period. Ray Bradbury, noted SciFi author, has a well-worn preliminary copy of this book in his possession.
P. Stephen Petersen, author of ‘The Quantum Tai Chi’, says "Reading ‘Adam’ is a transcendent experience. You will know your primitive side when you are through."
Abbey Reviews (2/30/01):
"Dr. Prince-Hughes has created a monument that goes far beyond the ‘noble savage’. She sends us deep into the recesses of the collective unconscious, illuminating with brilliant prose, the unity of the inmost soul with ancient ancestors."
