Books
Cherry Gilchrist has written nearly thirty books since the first one appeared in print in 1981. She writes both for children and for adults, chiefly in the field of creative non-fiction, but has also published various stories and poems. A number of her books have been translated into other languages, including German, French, Hungarian, Korean and Japanese.
Cherry’s writing covers a wide spectrum of subjects, and she enjoys writing both for the mainstream market, and for more specialist interests. These include Russian culture, alchemy, women’s spirituality, and divination. You’ll find a selection of her work below. She has also written a number of books for students of English, including a short biography of Princess Diana, which has proved very popular in the Far East!
She has also written for many different journals, and has contributed to Good Housekeeping, Company, Russian Life, Gnosis, Caduceus and Kindred Spirit.
Many of Cherry’s books are available through her page on Amazon.co.uk.
Cherry’s writing covers a wide spectrum of subjects, and she enjoys writing both for the mainstream market, and for more specialist interests. These include Russian culture, alchemy, women’s spirituality, and divination. You’ll find a selection of her work below. She has also written a number of books for students of English, including a short biography of Princess Diana, which has proved very popular in the Far East!
She has also written for many different journals, and has contributed to Good Housekeeping, Company, Russian Life, Gnosis, Caduceus and Kindred Spirit.
Many of Cherry’s books are available through her page on Amazon.co.uk.
New Titles
Growing Your Family Tree: Tracing your Roots and Discovering Who You Are
Piatkus, London 2011
In this highly practical and inspiring book, experienced writer and family history researcher Cherry Gilchrist takes us on a fascinating journey to the heart of who we really are and demonstrates how exploring the past can change the present. It supplies all the practical information you need to get started on your search.
‘This beautifully written new book reaches into what family history is all about…this is a superb read for beginners and more experienced family historians alike. Enjoy.’
Family Tree, Nov 2011
‘Creative and inspiring ideas to help you in your personal quest.… What this book offers is a new perspective. It certainly caused me to reflect and consider my own reasons for undertaking my research.’
Philippa McCray, Federation of Family History Societies.
In this highly practical and inspiring book, experienced writer and family history researcher Cherry Gilchrist takes us on a fascinating journey to the heart of who we really are and demonstrates how exploring the past can change the present. It supplies all the practical information you need to get started on your search.
‘This beautifully written new book reaches into what family history is all about…this is a superb read for beginners and more experienced family historians alike. Enjoy.’
Family Tree, Nov 2011
‘Creative and inspiring ideas to help you in your personal quest.… What this book offers is a new perspective. It certainly caused me to reflect and consider my own reasons for undertaking my research.’
Philippa McCray, Federation of Family History Societies.
Your Life, Your Story: Writing your Life Story for Family & Friends
Piatkus, London 2011
A creative, flexible and practical guide to setting down your personal story, with fascinating real life examples.
‘Easy to follow, user-friendly…a comprehensive guide on how to get from the first memory to a completed story…A helpful guide to the possibly emotional process of recording your life.’
Who Do You Think You Are BBC magazine, Feb 2010
‘A highly commendable book.’
Family History Monthly, Feb 2010
A creative, flexible and practical guide to setting down your personal story, with fascinating real life examples.
‘Easy to follow, user-friendly…a comprehensive guide on how to get from the first memory to a completed story…A helpful guide to the possibly emotional process of recording your life.’
Who Do You Think You Are BBC magazine, Feb 2010
‘A highly commendable book.’
Family History Monthly, Feb 2010
Recently Published Titles
Love Begins at 40: A Guide to Starting Over
Co-authored with Lara Owen, Hay House, London 2008
A guide to finding a partner in second half of life, with emphasis on the authenticity, wisdom, and practicality needed for the quest.
‘I have no doubt that this book will help countless people in their quest for love in midlife. Proclaiming that loneliness isn’t inevitable, its practical approach, combined with valuable insights into life and love, will certainly change lives for the better.’
Bel Mooney, Daily Mail columnist
A guide to finding a partner in second half of life, with emphasis on the authenticity, wisdom, and practicality needed for the quest.
‘I have no doubt that this book will help countless people in their quest for love in midlife. Proclaiming that loneliness isn’t inevitable, its practical approach, combined with valuable insights into life and love, will certainly change lives for the better.’
Bel Mooney, Daily Mail columnist
The Soul of Russia: Magical Traditions from an Enchanted Landscape
Floris Books, Edinburgh 2008
Russian traditional culture and beliefs: fairy tales, folk lore, nature spirits, and shamanism. Much of the material is drawn from the many personal research trips that Cherry has made to Russia.
‘I highly recommend this marvellous book. The author reminds us of what too many have forgotten: that at the heart of human cultures is living nature, as manifest in local animals, places, and the land.’
Dr. Patrick Curry (Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Kent
Russian traditional culture and beliefs: fairy tales, folk lore, nature spirits, and shamanism. Much of the material is drawn from the many personal research trips that Cherry has made to Russia.
‘I highly recommend this marvellous book. The author reminds us of what too many have forgotten: that at the heart of human cultures is living nature, as manifest in local animals, places, and the land.’
Dr. Patrick Curry (Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Kent
Russian Magic: Living Folk Traditions of an Enchanted Landscape
Quest Publications, USA, October 2009
This is the new American edition of ‘The Soul of Russia’, endorsed by the brilliant young Anglo-Russian composer and conductor, Alexander Prior. ‘It’s the first time any Westerner has understood the Russian soul, our love for the Earth and God’s warmth.'
Cherry was invited to give a series of three lectures at the prestigious Temenos Academy in London (patron HRH Prince Charles) on the strength of this book, where she spoke to capacity audiences. (Jan-Mar 2011)
This is the new American edition of ‘The Soul of Russia’, endorsed by the brilliant young Anglo-Russian composer and conductor, Alexander Prior. ‘It’s the first time any Westerner has understood the Russian soul, our love for the Earth and God’s warmth.'
Cherry was invited to give a series of three lectures at the prestigious Temenos Academy in London (patron HRH Prince Charles) on the strength of this book, where she spoke to capacity audiences. (Jan-Mar 2011)
Selected Books and Reviews
Explore Alchemy
Heart of Albion Books, 2007
(formerly The Elements of Alchemy, 1991
and The Great Work, Thorsons 1984.)
The history and practice of alchemy, from its roots in Egypt and Greece to the present day. An accessible and readable approach to a mysterious and enigmatic subject. Among the themes featured are the meaning of colour changes in alchemy, the alchemists’ quest for dreams and visions, and the relationship between alchemy and baroque music.
‘Eminently readable and informative’
The New Humanity
‘A warm introduction to alchemy and the symbols used by the alchemists’
The Bookseller
‘Fascinating glimpses…Gilchrist is a highly organised, concise and polished writer.’
Professor Tanya Luhrmann (University of Chicago)
(formerly The Elements of Alchemy, 1991
and The Great Work, Thorsons 1984.)
The history and practice of alchemy, from its roots in Egypt and Greece to the present day. An accessible and readable approach to a mysterious and enigmatic subject. Among the themes featured are the meaning of colour changes in alchemy, the alchemists’ quest for dreams and visions, and the relationship between alchemy and baroque music.
‘Eminently readable and informative’
The New Humanity
‘A warm introduction to alchemy and the symbols used by the alchemists’
The Bookseller
‘Fascinating glimpses…Gilchrist is a highly organised, concise and polished writer.’
Professor Tanya Luhrmann (University of Chicago)
A Calendar of Festivals
A collection of stories for children about seasonal and religious festivals from around the world, including How Krishna Stole the Butter for the Hindu festival of Holi, The Halloween Changeling, a Celtic tale, and The Story of Esther for the Jewish celebration of Purim. Winner of an UKRA award for its contribution to literacy. Illustrated by Helen Cann. Barefoot Books, 1998.
‘This one is really designed for the educational market, but you would never guess – it is that good’
The Bookseller
‘Broad in scope and stylishly executed…a thoughtful selection of material’
Publisher’s Weekly
‘High quality storytelling and excellent all-colour pictures will unlock interest and creativity from children. Highly recommended.’
RE Today
‘This one is really designed for the educational market, but you would never guess – it is that good’
The Bookseller
‘Broad in scope and stylishly executed…a thoughtful selection of material’
Publisher’s Weekly
‘High quality storytelling and excellent all-colour pictures will unlock interest and creativity from children. Highly recommended.’
RE Today
Stories from the Silk Road
Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry; Barefoot Books, 1999
Tales from China to Samarkand, drawn from the author’s own research and travels down the fabled Silk Road. The Spirit of the Silk Road acts as the guide to the journey, conjuring up a colourful picture of life along the ancient trade routes from East to West. Includes sections on the Demons and Dragons of the Taklamakan, and Kashgar Caravanserai, plus the stories such as White Cloud Fairy, The Enchanted Garden, and A Rainbow in Silk. A popular title at the 2004 Silk Road Exhibition bookshop at the British Library, with several reprints since.
‘…Exciting and well told’ The author and illustrator certainly did their homework’
Press Telegram
‘A triumph of research’
Books for Keeps
'I was thrilled with Cherry Gilchrist’s collection; as far as I know, it’s the first to take us across this ancient trade route…A real
treasure.’
Times Educational
Tales from China to Samarkand, drawn from the author’s own research and travels down the fabled Silk Road. The Spirit of the Silk Road acts as the guide to the journey, conjuring up a colourful picture of life along the ancient trade routes from East to West. Includes sections on the Demons and Dragons of the Taklamakan, and Kashgar Caravanserai, plus the stories such as White Cloud Fairy, The Enchanted Garden, and A Rainbow in Silk. A popular title at the 2004 Silk Road Exhibition bookshop at the British Library, with several reprints since.
‘…Exciting and well told’ The author and illustrator certainly did their homework’
Press Telegram
‘A triumph of research’
Books for Keeps
'I was thrilled with Cherry Gilchrist’s collection; as far as I know, it’s the first to take us across this ancient trade route…A real
treasure.’
Times Educational
Russian Lacquer Miniatures: A Collector’s Guide
Firebird Publications, 1999
This describes the unique art form of the Russian Lacquer Miniature, in which scenes from fairy tales, legends and landscapes are painted in rich colours on papier mache boxes and plaques. It is based on the author’s many research trips to the artists’ villages in Russia, and her work liaising with the miniaturists and exhibiting their art in the UK. With sections on the life and training of the artists, the traditional way of village life in Russia, and advice on buying lacquer miniatures.
‘Just to say how much I enjoyed reading your book on the Russian Lacquer Miniatures, and looking at the delightful pictures. It is a little gem itself! Your description of the artists’ lives in Russia was quite vivid – I really felt I was experiencing the place myself’
Mrs C.W., Lancs
This describes the unique art form of the Russian Lacquer Miniature, in which scenes from fairy tales, legends and landscapes are painted in rich colours on papier mache boxes and plaques. It is based on the author’s many research trips to the artists’ villages in Russia, and her work liaising with the miniaturists and exhibiting their art in the UK. With sections on the life and training of the artists, the traditional way of village life in Russia, and advice on buying lacquer miniatures.
‘Just to say how much I enjoyed reading your book on the Russian Lacquer Miniatures, and looking at the delightful pictures. It is a little gem itself! Your description of the artists’ lives in Russia was quite vivid – I really felt I was experiencing the place myself’
Mrs C.W., Lancs
Everyday Alchemy
Rider, 2002
The author draws upon her knowledge of alchemy, and her practical studies in groups working on personal development, to set out an alchemical path of inner transformation, using the emblems of Michael Maier, a 17th century alchemist, to illuminate the process.
‘An unusually mystic self-help guide’
The Bookseller
‘A journey full of warmth…with each reading it will reveal more facets and information’'
John Witt (psychotherapist)
‘Sensible, intelligent, wise and well-expressed…’
Moyra Caldecott (author)
The author draws upon her knowledge of alchemy, and her practical studies in groups working on personal development, to set out an alchemical path of inner transformation, using the emblems of Michael Maier, a 17th century alchemist, to illuminate the process.
‘An unusually mystic self-help guide’
The Bookseller
‘A journey full of warmth…with each reading it will reveal more facets and information’'
John Witt (psychotherapist)
‘Sensible, intelligent, wise and well-expressed…’
Moyra Caldecott (author)
Princess Diana
Penguin Readers, 2008
A short biography of this ever-popular, iconic figure, written for students of
English as part of the Penguin reading range, which is distributed world-wide.
The book has had numerous reprints, especially for China, Japan and Malaysia.
Other original titles in this series by Cherry include The Streets of
London and Millennium.
A short biography of this ever-popular, iconic figure, written for students of
English as part of the Penguin reading range, which is distributed world-wide.
The book has had numerous reprints, especially for China, Japan and Malaysia.
Other original titles in this series by Cherry include The Streets of
London and Millennium.
Prince Ivan and the Firebird
Barefoot Books, 1994
A re-telling of the classic Russian fairy tale. Prince Ivan tries to catch
the Firebird as she steals golden apples from the king’s orchard; she escapes,
and he sets out on a quest to find her, which brings many adventures, including
encounters with the trickster spirit Grey Wolf, and a journey to the land beyond
life and death.
‘A smooth as silk text’
Publisher’s Weekly
A re-telling of the classic Russian fairy tale. Prince Ivan tries to catch
the Firebird as she steals golden apples from the king’s orchard; she escapes,
and he sets out on a quest to find her, which brings many adventures, including
encounters with the trickster spirit Grey Wolf, and a journey to the land beyond
life and death.
‘A smooth as silk text’
Publisher’s Weekly
The Waters of Life: Stories from North America, India and China
Penguin Longman, 2002
Folk stories about water, from India, China, and North America. Conquering a giant river serpent creating a pool of life-giving water in the desert, and fetching healing waters to rescue sick people are their themes. For younger readers studying English as a foreign language.
Folk stories about water, from India, China, and North America. Conquering a giant river serpent creating a pool of life-giving water in the desert, and fetching healing waters to rescue sick people are their themes. For younger readers studying English as a foreign language.
Life in Britain in World War One
Batsford Educational, 1985
A book of resources for project work and study, with first hand interviews, visual material and themed texts on topics such as Women at Work. Always a popular loan issue from public libraries!
A book of resources for project work and study, with first hand interviews, visual material and themed texts on topics such as Women at Work. Always a popular loan issue from public libraries!
Divination: The search for meaning
Dryad Press, 1987
Fortune telling, oracles and reading the future are practices which have fascinated humankind throughout time and place. Every culture has its own methods of divination, but this book gives an overview of the common elements that they share, along with discussions as to how and why divination can work. Well-known types of divination are described, such as Tarot, astrology and the I-Ching, and guidance is given as to how the reader may approach any system of divination wisely and with deeper insight.
‘Clearly-written and sensible…thoroughly recommended for both the experienced diviner and the beginner alike.’
Aspect: Journal of the Irish Astrological Association
‘This valuable and thought-provoking book looks at the process of divination…as a gateway to knowledge.’
Astrological Journal
Fortune telling, oracles and reading the future are practices which have fascinated humankind throughout time and place. Every culture has its own methods of divination, but this book gives an overview of the common elements that they share, along with discussions as to how and why divination can work. Well-known types of divination are described, such as Tarot, astrology and the I-Ching, and guidance is given as to how the reader may approach any system of divination wisely and with deeper insight.
‘Clearly-written and sensible…thoroughly recommended for both the experienced diviner and the beginner alike.’
Aspect: Journal of the Irish Astrological Association
‘This valuable and thought-provoking book looks at the process of divination…as a gateway to knowledge.’
Astrological Journal
The Tree of Life Oracle
Eddison Sadd (UK) and Barnes & Noble (USA), 2002 co-author Gila Zur
A divination deck based on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, with meanings derived from the Hebrew letters. The oracle is interpreted by Cherry Gilchrist and derived from an earlier publication by an anonymous Kabbalistic school. With 57 cards, reading cloth for layout, and illustrated guidebook.
A divination deck based on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, with meanings derived from the Hebrew letters. The oracle is interpreted by Cherry Gilchrist and derived from an earlier publication by an anonymous Kabbalistic school. With 57 cards, reading cloth for layout, and illustrated guidebook.
Sun-Day, Moon-Day: How the Week was made
Barefoot Books, 1998
Stories about the days of the week, drawing on the cultural heritage of Babylonia, Greece, Norse and old English mythology. There are also sections on the making of the 7-day week as we know it, and on the gods who gave their names to the days. Stories include The Buried Moon, Ishtar’s Journey to the Underworld, and The Battle of Marduk and Tiamat.
‘The history is fascinating.’
Fore Word
Stories about the days of the week, drawing on the cultural heritage of Babylonia, Greece, Norse and old English mythology. There are also sections on the making of the 7-day week as we know it, and on the gods who gave their names to the days. Stories include The Buried Moon, Ishtar’s Journey to the Underworld, and The Battle of Marduk and Tiamat.
‘The history is fascinating.’
Fore Word
The Circle of Nine
Dryad Press1988, reprinted Arkana, 1991
A unique description of the archetypal feminine nature in the form of nine mythical figures known as ‘the Nine Ladies’. Three Mothers, Three Queens, and Three Ladies make up the range of nine aspects which express the multi-faceted nature of woman. From The Weaving Mother to The Queen of the Night, each archetype is related both to its mythic source and to everyday contemporary life, so that individual women can recognise these forces at play in themselves. This book has served as the core text for women’s groups in Britain and Australia.
‘It is wonderful to have a book on the market at last which goes straight for the mythic jugular…It does my heart good to read your book.’
Caitlin Matthews (author)
‘…The Circle of Nine..has moved my soul to dance and made my life more beautiful.’
Susanna Michaelis, reader and group leader
A unique description of the archetypal feminine nature in the form of nine mythical figures known as ‘the Nine Ladies’. Three Mothers, Three Queens, and Three Ladies make up the range of nine aspects which express the multi-faceted nature of woman. From The Weaving Mother to The Queen of the Night, each archetype is related both to its mythic source and to everyday contemporary life, so that individual women can recognise these forces at play in themselves. This book has served as the core text for women’s groups in Britain and Australia.
‘It is wonderful to have a book on the market at last which goes straight for the mythic jugular…It does my heart good to read your book.’
Caitlin Matthews (author)
‘…The Circle of Nine..has moved my soul to dance and made my life more beautiful.’
Susanna Michaelis, reader and group leader
Astrology
Batsford Educational, 1982
A history of astrology from Babylonian times to the present day, illustrated and described for younger readers and school study. An educational first, in bringing a balanced and soundly informative book on astrology into the school classroom.
A history of astrology from Babylonian times to the present day, illustrated and described for younger readers and school study. An educational first, in bringing a balanced and soundly informative book on astrology into the school classroom.
