Book Review: Robert D Ferre's Labyrinth Construction Manual Books

January 15, 2026

I wanted to look at 2 books about the construction of labyrinths by Robert D Ferre. If you are interested in building a physical labyrinth at a church, in a park, courtyard, or somewhere on your land these are the books for you. They have expert information on building and design decisions you will encounter.

Classical Labyrinths: Construction Manual (2014) - 160 pages. AMZN. by Robert D Ferre (Author)

The book is aimed at anyone who is interested in creating their own labyrinth, whether for personal use or as a public art installation. If you are interested in making a Chartres Labyrinth, check out this book by the same author.

What you can expect in this book:

The book then provides detailed instructions on how to construct each type of classical labyrinth. The instructions include diagrams, photographs, and step-by-step descriptions. The book also covers a variety of materials that can be used to construct labyrinths, such as stone, wood, sand, and fabric.
In addition to the construction instructions, the book also includes a brief history of labyrinths, a discussion of the symbolism of labyrinths, and a list of resources for further information.
It has a section on “sites and orientation” for labyrinths that covers things like dowsing and sacred geometry followed by a section on “tools and materials” that goes into using canvas and tape to create labyrinths.

What this book does best: You can pick any type of labyrinth shape, then any material and this book will have it covered on how to build a physical labyrinth ! Teaches you how to make physical labyrinths !

While the above book does touch on all types and styles of labyrinths, the world’s most famous labyrinth. the Chartres Labyrinth, gets it’s own book.

Chartres Labyrinth Construction Manual (2014) - 136 pages. AMZN. by Robert D Ferre (Author)

Chartres Labyrinth Construction Manual

The book is aimed at anyone who is interested in creating their own Chartres labyrinth, whether for personal use or as a public art installation.

What you can expect in this book:

The book begins by providing a brief history of the Chartres labyrinth. The labyrinth is located in the Chartres Cathedral in France, and it is one of the most famous labyrinths in the world. The labyrinth was built in the early 13th century, and it is believed to have been inspired by the labyrinth at Knossos, Crete.
The book then provides detailed instructions on how to construct the Chartres labyrinth. The instructions include diagrams, photographs, and step-by-step descriptions. The book also covers a variety of materials that can be used to construct the labyrinth, such as stone, wood, sand, and fabric.
In addition to the construction instructions, the book also includes a discussion of the symbolism of the Chartres labyrinth. The labyrinth is often seen as a symbol of the journey of life, with the center representing the goal or destination. It can also be seen as a symbol of the subconscious mind, with the twists and turns representing the different thoughts and emotions that we experience.

What this book does best: Teaches you how to make a Chartres labyrinth ! You can create your own Chartres labyrinth using a variety of materials, such as stone, wood, sand, or fabric.

Similar content you might like:

Instructions on how to draw many type of labyrinths

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US Labyrinth visits - A list of labyrinths by US state

Book Review: The Complete Guide to Labyrinths

October 19, 2023

The Complete Guide to Labyrinths: Tapping the Sacred Spiral for Power, Protection, Transformation, and Healing (2004) - 336 pages. AMZN. by Cassandra Eason (Author)

The Book explores the many ways that labyrinths have been used for personal transformation, protection, healing, and enlightenment throughout history. It also provides instructions for creating and using labyrinths in your own life.

What you can expect in this book:

The book begins with an overview of the history of labyrinths, from their earliest origins in ancient Crete to their modern use as tools for personal growth. Eason then discusses the different types of labyrinths, including the classical seven-circuit labyrinth, the Chartres labyrinth, and the hedge maze. She also explores the symbolism of labyrinths, which is often associated with the journey of the soul.
The second half of the book focuses on the practical use of labyrinths. Eason provides instructions for creating labyrinths in your own home or garden, as well as for using labyrinths for meditation, healing, and spiritual growth. She also includes a number of rituals and exercises that you can use to connect with the power of the labyrinth.

What this book does best: I really enjoyed Chapter 7 where the book discusses how to use labyrinths for meditation. There are a number of exercises that you can use to connect with the power of the labyrinth and to use it as a tool for meditation.

Book Review: The Maze: A Labyrinthine Compendium

October 17, 2023

The Maze: A Labyrinthine Compendium (2018) - 144 pages. AMZN.

by Thibaud Herem (Illustrator), Kendra Wilson (Author), Angus Hyland (Author)

The book features 60 real and imagined mazes from around the world, each illustrated by Thibaud Hérem. The mazes are accompanied by short histories and descriptions, which explore the cultural significance of each maze.

What you can expect in this book:

The book features 60 mazes, which are arranged by region. Each maze is illustrated by Thibaud Hérem and accompanied by a short history and description. The histories provide information about the origins of the maze, its cultural significance, and its design. The descriptions offer tips on how to solve the maze and explore its symbolism.
It also looks at mazes from a variety of angles - including these: Symbolism, Religion and Myth, Art and Literature, Architecture, and Pop Culture.

What this book does best: The illustrations are outstanding and the overall design of the book is really appealing.

Book Review: Esoteric Mysteries of the Underworld

October 14, 2023

Esoteric Mysteries of the Underworld: The Power and Meaning of Subterranean Sacred Spaces (2020) - 320 pages. AMZN. by Jean-Pierre Bayard

My focus for this book was Chapter 2, titled The Labyrinth: A Symbol of the Underworld. After the background and overview of Chapter 1 I was less interested in the Telluric Currents or Denizens in the Underworld sections that followed. But if you like to read about ley lines, dwarfs, gnomes and the hollow earth - it is all covered !

What you can expect in this book:

Labyrinths are often seen as symbols of the underworld. This is because they are typically maze-like structures with a single path leading to the center. The journey through a labyrinth can be seen as a symbolic journey into the underworld, where the individual confronts their shadow self and undergoes a process of transformation.
Labyrinths are also seen as symbols of the journey of the soul. This is because the path through a labyrinth is often winding and challenging, just like the journey of life. The journey through a labyrinth can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, where the individual faces challenges and obstacles on their way to self-realization.
Labyrinths are also seen as symbols of initiation. This is because the journey through a labyrinth is often seen as a rite of passage, where the individual is transformed and reborn. The labyrinth can be seen as a symbol of the process of initiation, where the individual enters a new stage of life and takes on new responsibilities.

What this book does best: This is very different than most books because of the perspective it is coming from since everything is seen through the lenses of the underworld !