Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of Their History and Development


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

Come along on a journey through the history of Mazes and Labyrinths by W.H. Matthews. Get lost in the wonders of winding paths, from ancient Egyptian temples to medieval cathedrals and English garden mazes. Blending mythology, archaeology, and folklore, discover how these puzzling patterns have symbolized everything from spiritual quests to playful challenges. From the Minotaur’s lair to elegant hedge mazes at country estates, Matthews reveals how humanity has always loved getting lost—on purpose. - Summary by Carrie Mae Streb

Chapters

Preface 4:32 Read by Carrie Mae Streb
Introduction 10:43 Read by Beeswaxcandle
The Egyptian Labyrinth 12:42 Read by emmaweigham
The Egyptian Labyrinth (continued) 10:27 Read by emmaweigham
The Cretan Labyrinth 11:14 Read by Beeswaxcandle
The Cretan Labyrinth (continued) 11:34 Read by Beeswaxcandle
The Cretan Labyrinth (continued) 12:25 Read by Beeswaxcandle
The Etruscan or Italian Labyrinth 10:11 Read by Chuck Lavazzi
The Labyrinth in Ancient Art 19:56 Read by Chuck Lavazzi
Church Labyrinths 23:53 Read by Rapunzelina
Turf Labyrinths 14:57 Read by Chuck Lavazzi
Turf Labyrinths (continued) 21:11 Read by Chuck Lavazzi
The Origin of Turf Mazes 16:10 Read by marisad6
The Floral Labyrinth and the Dwarf-Shrub Maze 13:33 Read by Kathryn Barbosa
The Topiary Labyrinth, or Hedge Maze 19:17 Read by jenno
The Topiary Labyrinth, or Hedge Maze (continued) 18:46 Read by phineas2000
The Topiary Labyrinth, or Hedge Maze (continued) 20:32 Read by phineas2000
Stone Labyrinths and Rock Engravings 12:30 Read by Seraphina
The Dance or Game of Troy 17:32 Read by phineas2000
The Bower of "Fair Rosamond" 14:29 Read by phineas2000
Maze Etymology 27:12 Read by Chuck Lavazzi
Labyrinth Design and the Solution of Mazes 21:32 Read by jenno
The Labyrinth in Literature 19:29 Read by Book Lover
Miscellanea and Conclusion 19:13 Read by Owlivia