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

"Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of Their History and Development" by W. H. Matthews is a historical record from 1922 that looks into the long story of mazes and labyrinths in different cultures, stretching from ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages and beyond. The book's purpose is to give a complete overview of these winding pathways that have captured people's attention for ages. The book starts with the author explaining what made him want to study mazes and labyrinths, which came from a simple question about where they came from. Matthews wanted to give an easy-to-understand look at labyrinths, understanding that they are interesting for more than just historical reasons. The book promises to explore archaeological discoveries and literary examples, aiming to appeal to a wider audience, and highlights the confusing definitions of "maze" and "labyrinth," suggesting a complex connection between their real forms and their meanings, setting the stage for a journey through their historical and cultural importance.