Written by Tom Stevens (Steve Richards), this is the extraordinary story of an ordinary man who, against the backdrop of policing in the 1970s, battles dark forces both in the world and in the mind - in a tale of personal transformation through the modern quest for the Holy Grail set into the living mythology of the land itself.
It begs the question - "Are you an Unknowing Grail Knight?"
Where your Personal Myth and Ancient Legend collide
If you're engaging with your individuation journey, then you're looking for one thing - The Grail.
But what does this mean, really?
It's simple - your completion.
Biologically, you are powered by your Genomic Self to actualize your potential in the world; all the experiences that crafted your ancestors into who they were are inherited and infused into every ounce of your lifeblood.
This is, of course, from whence myths arise.
These archetypal images - whether they be the Heroes of Troy or the Knights of the Round Table - are the result of a seismic collision between instincts and ego consciousness, producing a narrative that entrances and inspires everyone who encounters them.
The author of The Oxford's Blues Trilogy, Steve Richards, has studied the works of the great psychotherapist C.G. Jung since he was 16 years old. However, the first stage of his Personal Myth was as a Merseyside Police Officer in the 1970's and 80's - perhaps not what you'd expect from a through-and-through psychonaut!
He described many of his experiences of this time here:
But the long and short of it is simple: Steve was not the same man when he left the police to pursue his career in psychotherapy.
His core values, his self-concept, and even his ideas about Good and Evil - everything was challenged!
This is the heroic work of the Personal Myth - who are you? Really? All complexes thrown aside.
Who are you are after entering into the alchemical forge, to smelt yourself into a sword of substance?
That is what Steve attempted to capture in The Oxford's Blues Trilogy - it's a grand tale, loosely based on his experiences in the police, that lay out his experience of deriving his Personal Equation - the true Holy Grail - from the turmoil and chaos of life on the front-lines of civil defense.
This trilogy is an invitation for you to join Steve, and momentarily leave the world of the waking behind, as you dive into the reflection of his unconscious mind.
To experience a story like this - one of true alchemical substance, that belongs on any depth psychologists (digital) bookshelf - is to be immersed in what it means to be on the journey of individuation.
What one might not expect, is quite how real this story is - the likes of Mallory and Monmouth, who wrote their own versions of King Arthur many a Century ago, lived in their own time, with their own culture.
Steve is, of course, a product of the 20th Century, and Oxford's Blues is saturated with this cultural backdrop, including lashings of kinky sex and Python-style humour.
"But narrator!" I here you ask, "How is it possible to be enriched by a book that contains a farting pillow, the ghost of Carl Jung, and arch-supervillain Dominic Magister - who resembles a colossal Freddie Mercury?"
"Because" I smile in response, "If you do not laugh along the way, have you truly discovered who you are?"
The Trickster is, of course, always waiting to tickle those who are too serious, or ignore him for too long....
“Vast deep and philosophical, this is not just another police tale, it’s a story for everyman!”
- Colin McKeown
Award Winning British Film and Television Producer (The Bill, Liverpool One, and Thief Takers)
Jung To Live By re-launch special: 3 Books in 1
In this package, you'll receive a PDF for each of the books in this magical trilogy:
Book 1: Oxford's Blues
The extraordinary story of an ordinary man who, against the backdrop of policing in the 1970s, battles dark forces both in the world and in the mind - in a tale of personal transformation through the modern quest for the Holy Grail set into the living mythology of the land itself.
Book 2: Oxford's Circus
Newly promoted police Chief Superintendent Kevin O'Riley battles with a seductive femme demon against the backdrop of the 1981 Toxteth Riots in Liverpool, as the secret purpose of his life is at last revealed to him.
Book 3: Oxford's Misfits
Chief Superintendent Kevin O'Riley faces his ultimate challenge against Dominic Magister: a mercurial Harlequin demon in the guise of a fellow senior police officer. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the 1984-1985 British National Miner's strike - the third season in the Oxford's Blues series sees this modern grail myth reach its epic and supernatural climax.