In a profound and provocative work of scholarly detection, best-selling UK author Philip Gardiner shakes the foundations of modern belief by at last revealing the true origins of The Holy Grail, Elixir of Life and Philosopher's Stone. Shrouded in mystery, these highly enigmatic symbols have long been revered and The Serpent Grail proves, without doubt, that all three are inextricably linked, originating from the same ancient source.

For many of us, these three mysterious objects derive from Arthurian legend, or the curious work of the medieval alchemists, but this book reveals that they date back from a much earlier period ? from the dawn of human history itself.

Basing his findings on a wealth of detailed research and his own unique marketing and propaganda based background, Gardiner's own quest has been something of an adventure and his book presents plausible and fascinating new evidence about the foundations of religious belief and how over the centuries information has been deliberately and systematically distorted. In an argument with enormous implications, Gardiner identifies key facts which link all three symbols to the same ancient cult ? a cult which believed that the mythical serpent was, a 'beneficent life force' and its physical counterpart, the snake, an irreverent provider of the 'elixir of life'. In The Serpent Grail Gardiner proves that modern science and ancient wisdom can and have come together to finally prove that snake venom and blood was used thousands of years ago as the Elixir of Life and was brought together in the arcane "mixing bowl" which became known as the Holy Grail. The Serpent Grail is a gripping read, a work based on a lifetime of research that provides the indisputable fact that, The Holy Grail, Elixir of Life and Philosopher's Stone are one and the same, in that they are all metaphors for spiritual enlightenment. This book takes the reader on a fascinating exploration of ancient myth, archaeology, etymology, religion, science, and much, much more.

The Serpent Grail is published by Watkins on 15th September 2005, Hardback priced UK £16.99 ISBN 1 84293 129 6

Release: Worldwide (inc Australia and New Zealand) except USA which is February 2006.

Philip and Gary are currently in discussion with Atlantic TV regarding their television documentary for Discovery America.

The Serpent Grail by Philip Gardiner With Gary Osborn: 'THE TRUTH BEHIND IT ALL' - An extraordinary account of the quest for the truth behind The Holy Grail, Elixir of Life and Philosopher's Stone; Astonishing new findings that lead us right back to the very origins of civilization and the roots of our modern belief systems; Ground breaking proof that The Holy Grail, Elixir of Life and Philosopher's Stone are one and the same; Radical demystification of the stories and mythology that have mesmerized entire generations; Conclusive identification of a link between modern religious beliefs and 'Serpent Cults' of the ancient world; Author to do world unique Tours through www.powerplaces.com taking people on the journey to the Grail and anybody also wishing to book the author for talks, lectures etc should email [email protected]

For further information please contact:

Jenny Carradice
Telephone: 01753 623 504 UK. (Int 44 1753 623504)
Email: [email protected]
Lectures/Conferences etc contact [email protected]
For more information go to www.gardinerosborn.com