Book Review: Through the labyrinth : designs and meanings over 5000 years

Book Review: Through the labyrinth : designs and meanings over 5000 years (2000) by Hermann Kern AMZN

360 pages, Prestel

When I first acquired this book from the local library I thought based on the size and weight of the book (oversized and weighing around 5 pounds) that it would be a typical coffee table book full of pictures. And, to be fair, the book is full of pictures. But the 360 pages are also filled with information on labyrinths and mazes, with our author approaching them throughout history from a variety of perspectives. While in the past I have listed what I have learned in a book in my reviews, for this volume the list would simply be too long. I think it is more informative to say, I think this is the most well researched book on the topic I have ever read. It is also one of the few books that has a chapter (you’ll find it in chapter 14) about “Celebrations and Games” which gives examples of the very first maze artist, Francesco Segala (c. 1535-1592), known for his sculptures, but a pioneer in making maze pictures.

I guarantee that as you work your way through the 19 chapters you will find new information, new photos (there are an amazing 749) and new ideas you have never seen anywhere else. My main suggestion in reading and experiencing this book is to take your time (if you are lucky enough to get this from your local library you’ll want to renew it at least once), and take great notes along the way.

Here is my previous list of important maze books to which I will be adding this book !

The Best Books About Mazes and Labyrinths (that aren't actually maze books)

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The Ultimate Directory of Maze and Labyrinth Builders: The Top 13 Builders in the World

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The 10 Most Famous Labyrinths from Around the World

Maze and Labyrinth News - July 2025

I am back again with all the things I found during the month that didn’t quite fit into it’s own blog post, but that I found interesting about mazes and labyrinths. Before we get to this months news, here is the June version if you missed it:

Maze and Labyrinth News - June 2025

• A Canadian man made an Augmented Reality Maze

His name is Marc Toews and the maze is shown on your phone and can be solved in any open space ! Very cool idea. You can see an interview with Marc on CBC.

• Maze solving on the International Space Station

So, I found out that on the ISS they did a study on plasmodial slime mold. It was a maze solving test, which it seems the mold is very good at. Reminds me of my posts on a liquid and AI solving mazes:

So a Liquid Can Solve a Maze How Exactly ?

AI is Really Great at Solving the Marble Maze

• A Sunflower Maze in Canada

I came across this Sunflower Maze while surfing the web. Located in Alberta, Canada on the Eagle Creek Farm, I love seeing mazes made of unique things (and especially colorful flowers). It is called the Bowden SunMaze. It just so happens the property also features a corn maze and willow tree maze !

• A Squid Games Maze at an Anime Expo in LA

I found this quick video from KTLA of a Squid Games Maze. Looks cool.

• A Mirror Maze at Rockefeller Center in NYC

This art installation has been called a mirror maze in the news, but it seems to lack the features of a maze to me. Either way it seems like a cool art installation called Reflection Point by Brooklyn based artists Wade Jeffree and Leta Sobierajski. Bonus points for being free and open to the public ! Here is a YouTube Short showing the maze up close.

• A set of corn mazes from the UK featuring fun designs:

  • A giant train maze in the UK

  • A Toy Story Maze in York, England

  • A plan for a Minions maze this Fall in the UK

• Art the Clown as the theme of a Haunted House ? No thank you! But, totally yes !

Maze Comic Book Cover #81 - Crown Jewels

Issue #81 in my comic book cover series is called Crown Jewels and features the maze of a king. The background was made using starryai. I wanted to make this an old king who was ruthless to keep his wealth. The kind of guy who offs siblings, kids and anyone else who gets in his way.

My comic book cover mazes can be found in 2 places:

Comic Book Cover Mazes - Year 1 (Issues #1-53)

Comic Book Cover Mazes - Year 2

To receive a book of my first year of comic book book mazes (Volume 1 with mazes #1-53) you can sign up for my book alerts - any time I launch a free maze book, or paid book (on Amazon), I will send you a note about the new book launch.

Maze of the Week #185 - Grande Anse du Diamant Maze

This maze was originally commissioned for an adult activity book. I made it for a client in the way they preferred. Today I get a chance to update the maze and try and improve the product. The original maze is not available for download, but the updated maze is ! While I have never been to Martinique, this project peaked my interest. I was able to practice my landscape mazes and experiment with styling while making a maze based off of a picture. I present Maze of the Week #185 - Grande Anse du Diamant Maze.

Here are the enhancements I made to improve the maze:

1. Changed the font type. I actually think the original font works well with the island scene, but I decided to change to my preferred font.

2. Changed Font colors. The start and goal will blend into the background when I color the maze, so I changed them to white from black. The title stays black but I outlined it in white to make it easier to read.

3. Added color throughout. The hills all got textured and colored, while the remaining elements just got flat color. I spent most of my time coloring the individual buildings.

4. Wall color change. I wanted to make the water look more interesting so I changed the walls there from black to grey (they are menat to look like waves).

5. Horizon change. I blurred the water horizon to look more natural where the water meets the sky adding a blue layer to it.

I left the 9x7 size and the frame, making the maze feel like a photo/picture.

So that concludes the remake. I think they both work. The color version maze download is available on the home page.

Original Maze: File Size: 547 KB

New Maze: File Size: 1740 KB