About the Author

Karen Ralls mediAeval historian, Celtic and spirituality/world religions scholar, obtained her doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, followed by six years as Postdoctoral Fellow and Sr Lecturer (Univ. of Edinburgh) and Deputy Curator of the Rosslyn Chapel Museum art exhibition, before relocating to Oxford, England, where she remains a perpetual student of Life itself. A specialist in the High Middle Ages period(1100-1300) and a former Visiting Scholar and lecturer at UC Berkeley, Oxford, etc., she is currently translating a series of 13th century manuscripts and source documents at Oxford for a museum. A member of The Chalice Well, Rosslyn Chapel, Friends of the Bodleian Library, Obod, Gatekeeper Pilgrimage Trust(UK),and the American Academy of Religion, Dr Ralls has served as Historical Advisor and medieval consultant for film, travel, and heritage-related organizations and projects, and also completed a specialist Medieval and Renaissance Art History course at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum (London, 2004) and a two-year Interfaith spirituality course (London, 1999). Noted for groundbreaking 12th-14th c. medieval period research in particular, Karen serves as a lecturer, conference speaker, international historical and sacred sites tour guide, and workshop/retreat presenter; books include Medieval Mysteries (Ibis Press /RedWheelWeiser/USA); The Templars and the Grail (Quest Books), The Knights Templar Encyclopedia (Career Press), Music and the Celtic Otherworld (Edinburgh Univ Press & PalgraveMacmillan, USA), The Quest for the Celtic Key (Luath, Edinburgh), and more. A musician (flute(s); and a wire-strung Celtic harp for poetry readings and music), Karen is also interested in exploring links between history/heritage, symbols, folklore, and the landscape today. She enjoys travel,nature walks/hiking, stargazing,and visiting ancient, historical and archaeological sites. She has a Facebook Author page and the website is ancientquest.com Whatever their chosen path or wherever they are from in the world, many today tell me they're on a quest. History, symbolism, places, and folklore continue to fascinate; people say visiting many historical places - pagan, Christian, or otherwise - often greatly inspires, enlightens or assists them. As a medieval historian, I write my books for *all* of you, as we mutually step back in time, exploring key medieval subjects and their associated history, symbolism, folklore, unique wonders, and local traditions. Cross the threshold! Best wishes and enjoy the journey, Karen Ralls BIO: