Lightning Tree: New interview marks 10 years
Lightning Tree: New interview marks 10 years Cista Mystica is celebrating ten years since the publication of Martin Shaw's first book A Branch From The Lightning Tree, with an in depth interview going right to the heart of how the books have evolved over the last decade. In the 50-minute interview, which can be heard on Soundcloud here, Martin reveals how a conversation with musician Joe Strummer from The Clash sowed the seeds for the book many years before. He explains: "I met him once at a party
A Hut at the Edge of the Village: new John Moriarty book launch
A Hut at the Edge of the Village A new collection of John Moriarty’s writings, edited by Dr Martin Shaw, has been launched with a lively online discussion about the Irish philosopher described as 'one of Ireland's greatest secrets'. Martin was joined by writer and documentary-maker Manchán Magan, author of the rip-roaring Thirty-Two Words for Field, for the launch of A Hut at the Edge of the Village. Manchán describes Martin's introductions to John's work as having the same 'wildness, boldness and vivacity as Moriarty's writings'. The recording
Smoke Hole Sessions: new podcast series hosted by Martin Shaw
Smoke Hole Sessions: a new series of podcasts hosted by Martin Shaw Renowned storyteller and author Martin Shaw and book publishers Chelsea Green UK have teamed up to create a new long-form conversation podcast inspired by Shaw’s newest book Smoke Hole: Looking to the Wild in the Time of the Spyglass. The ‘Smoke Hole Sessions’ is a series of vital conversations with inspirational writers, musicians, comedians, activists and more, delving into their work and what the last year has meant to them. Guests will include actor Sir Mark
New audio + literary festival appearances
Brand new audio: The Birth of OssianThe first portion of an ongoing work Adventures in the Deep Interior, from Martin Shaw and John Matthias, is now available as a downloadable MP3 audio.This is a new reading of the ancient Irish story The Birth of Ossian, recorded by the banks of the river Dart in Devon, far west of Britain. Adventures in the Deep Interior is a collaborative work: John a violinist (Radiohead/Coldcut), Martin a storyteller. No rehearsal, little second guessing, frequently recorded in a wild place. This recording
Smoke Hole: Sneak preview video released
Smoke Hole:sneak preview video released Dr Martin Shaw has recorded a short video from his Dartmoor cottage about his latest book Smoke Hole: Looking to the Wild in the Time of the Spyglass The book, due to be released by Chelsea Green in May and available now for pre-order from Cista Mystica, was written over lockdown and gives us, says Martin, "a very ancient way of looking at a modern predicament, the situation we have all found ourselves in over the last year."This new little video just recorded
New books and limited edition t-shirt
New book: Red Bead Woman Acclaimed scholar and mythteller Dr Martin Shaw has committed to writing this jewel of a tale from the Taiga of Siberia. For the last ten years he has followed faithfully wherever this story has wished to take him. And it is only now, after hundreds of oral tellings, that he was put it into the written word. And alongside this story and commentary are brand new drawings - scattered like seed throughout. This book depicts an ancient story for troubled times, beginning with