Ringing Cedars

There are eight books published in the original Russian. Note that Book 8 consists of two parts, released as separate volumes. So, there are nine titles in total. For a description of each title, see the Books section of this website.

How many volumes are available in English?

English translations of all nine titles have been released.

Can I read them out of sequence?

You can. However, the Ringing Cedars is a series, and each volume is a continuation and builds upon the previous ones. So for the best appreciation of the Series and its messages we recommend that you read the books in the order they were written. That said, the best books to read as "stand-alone" titles are Book 3, The Space of Love; Book 4, Co-creation; Book 6, The Book of Kin; and Book 8, Part 2, Rites of Love.

What are the books about?

About everything! We have put together a brief description of the Series, but it is only a rough approximation. You may also read Translator's Preface to Book 1, in which John Woodsworth discusses this question.

Are they fiction or non-fiction?

You may enjoy the books as either, however in Chapter 34 of Co-creation, Book 4 of the Ringing Cedars Series, the author Vladimir Megré states that "everything I have written in these books I either heard from Anastasia, or saw and experienced myself."

Why did the publisher produce a Revised Second Edition?

The second edition is a more potent translation, benefiting from a much deeper understanding of Anastasia's intent, gained over the 3-year translation process by the translator John Woodsworth and editor Dr Leonid Sharashkin. The text of Book 1, Anastasia, for example, has had over 500 subtle changes made to it—including the addition of more footnotes. The remainder of the volumes have had fewer revisions.

Why did the publisher change the covers?

The first edition covers were not commissioned works. The artist (an entomologist specializing in the study of butterflies) was inspired to produce these images after reading the books in Russian. The publisher—Dr Leonid Sharashkin—selected these images for their authenticity of feeling—especially the artist's obvious reverence for Nature.

Many people judge a book by its cover. Many have judged these to be children's books or fantasy novels. The image of a "white" woman in a short dress was found to be offensive to some nationalities. Major international wholesalers said they would not distribute books with such covers because the "Russian look and feel" suggested a story not necessarily appealing or applicable to Western readers. The list goes on…

In summary, since the books contain such important and valuable information, relevant to readers everywhere in the world, the publisher has released the second revised edition in "new clothes", with the hope that many more people will be able to enjoy these books.

The new edition has been printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified papers with vegetable (non-soy) inks. The soft flexible covers have a washable anti-scuff protective coating, and 4" return flaps, making them less prone to cover curl and edge damage, and should prove very robust, given that these books are reportedly being read, shared and re-read many times by lots of people.

There is a quote from Anastasia and a note about the symbolism of the cover image on the inside front flap, a brief "About the Ringing Cedars Series" on the inside rear flap and the back cover text conveys "a taste" of what awaits the reader in the book.

Can I still purchase the original first edition?

The first edition is now only available as a full Collector's set. You can order a set here while stocks last.

In what other languages are the books available?

Books in The Ringing Cedars Series have been translated into some 20 languages. Not all the translations have been successful. Translations from the original Russian include: English, German, Dutch, Croatian, Czech, Estonian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Polish, Slovenian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Georgian, Italian, French, Hebrew, Turkish, Kazakh, Greek.

Where can I buy the books in a language other than English?

We only distribute the Ringing Cedars Series in English. Possibly you could use an Internet search engine of your choice (Google, Yahoo! etc.) to locate and purchase copies in other languages. Translations in some languages appear to have been made only of the first few titles in the series.

AUTHOR:

Who is the author?: Vladimir Megré is the author. You can read a little about his background HERE. More information can be gleaned from the books themselves, especially Book 1 and Book 2.
What are the author's religious/spiritual affiliations and background?: As far as we know the author is not affiliated with any religious group or church. As Vladimir Megré himself acknowledges from the very first pages of "Anastasia" and in a separate discussion towards the end of Book 4, he is not a person of vast spiritual background, and prior to the publication of Anastasia was only known as a successful entrepreneur.
Has Vladimir Megré been nominated for Nobel's prize in literature yet?: No. However, we do not think he's likely to win the prize even if he gets nominated. When Leo Tolstoy, Russia's other great writer on spirituality, was nominated for the prize a century earlier, he was turned down because his writings were deemed too controversial. The same is likely to apply to Vladimir Megré.
How can I contact the author?: You can e-mail the author's secretary at fond@anastasia.ru This is author's preferred means of communication. Please note that Vladimir Megré only speaks Russian. Because of the volume of correspondence, no one can promise that the author will respond to or even read every letter or e-mail addressed to him. (Within three years of Anastasia's initial publication, he had already received over 40,000 pages of letters from the readers, of which half were poems and songs inspired by Anastasia.)

ANASTASIA:

Who is Anastasia?: According to the author, Anastasia is a woman born in 1969 and raised and living with her relatives and children in Western Siberian taiga not far from the city of Surgut on the river Ob. She is the one who inspired Vladimir Megré to write his series of books.
Is she the member of the Tsar's family?: No, that was a different Anastasia. Anastasia is a fairly widespread name in today's Russia.
Is she a real person or a (fictitious) heroine of the books?: When asked this question by the author, Anastasia affirmed that she does exist for those for whom she exists. At a later date she pointed out that it was not very practical to doubt the existence of the transmitting radio station when you are listening to this radio's broadcast. For a further discussion of this matter, please see the chapter entitled "Author's message to the readers" in Book 1 and Chapter "Illusory people" in Book 2. A growing number of people affirm they have physically met Anastasia, however we have not verified the authenticity of these accounts.
Would you share with me Anastasia's e-mail address?: As far as we know, she does not use the Internet. You can e-mail her in Vladimir Megré's care: fond@anastasia.ru
(Please note that Vladimir Megré only reads and speaks Russian).
What does the name Anastasia mean?: Translated from Greek, it means "resurrection". It is derived from an even more ancient Sanskrit word "anasta", which means "incorruptible".
How can I visit Anastasia?: Please read Book 3 before contemplating the possibility of a visit. Because of her busy schedule and family responsibilities, Anastasia does not readily receive guests without invitation.

RINGING CEDARS & PRODUCTS:

What are the 'ringing cedars'?: According to Vladimir Megré, "ringing cedars" are very old (over 500 years) trees of Siberian cedar (also called Siberian pine, Pinus sibirica) that over their lifetime accumulate so much energy that they start emitting a vibrating "ringing" sound. It is believed that these trees or pieces of their wood may produce a beneficial influence on human health and consciousness, although Anastasia clearly states does not approve of their distribution.
Where can I get a piece of the true ringing cedar?: As yet we are not aware of any reliable way to procure pieces of the true ringing cedar. As far as we know, the ringing cedar described in the books has NOT been cut down. Besides, in Book 2—The Ringing Cedars of Russia—Anastasia clearly states her disapproval of any random distribution of ringing cedar pieces (were any real ringing cedars to be cut down) nor does she wear a piece herself. However, in Book 3—Space of Love—Anastasia describes how you can grow your very own ringing cedar. This chapter, "Re-creating Shambala", is available here. You may also request here to be sent the extremely revealing FREE eBook Report by the Ringing Cedars Series editor, Leonid Sharashkin, PhD (Forestry) entitled "The Secrets of Cedar Products", to learn more about this fascinating subject. Printed versions of this Ringing Cedars publication are available for $10 each plus postage. Please contact us to place your order.
Where can I get the cedar nut oil such as that described in the books?: Cedar/pine nut oil of varying quality is available from many sources. However we do not know of a commercial supplier who adheres strictly to the collection and extraction methods Anastasia describes. Anastasia states that the mental state and intent of the person collecting and extracing cedar/pinenut oil will govern the efficacy of the resuting product, which suggests that bulk oil gathered and produced with commercial gain as the primary motive can not possibly be as efficacious as that which is, for example, gathered by young children in quantities necessary only to meet their famaily's seasonal needs. The difference in taste is also quite apparent. Please register here to be sent the extremely revealing FREE eBook Report entitled "The Secrets of Cedar Products" by the Ringing Cedars Series editor, Leonid Sharashkin, PhD (Forestry) to learn more about this fascinating subject. Printed versions of this Ringing Cedars publication are available for $10 each plus postage. Please contact us to place your order.
Is Ringing Cedars North America associated or affiliated with a company calling itself "Ringing Cedars of Russia"?: No. Ringing Cedars North America is an independent company DISTRIBUTING the books published by Ringing Cedars Press, the independent publisher of the Ringing Cedars Series by Vladimir Megré in English.
The Ringing Cedars of Russia is the title of the second book in the Ringing Cedars Series.

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION:

What is Shchetinin's school?: This is a school in Southern Russia created by alternative educator Academician Shchetinin, where ordinary pupils with little if any help from adult teachers cover the whole 11-year curriculum of the Russian school system in just two years, get official bachelor's and master's degrees from accredited universities by the time they are seventeen, and also have designed, built and decorated their campus all by themselves. The school is described in Book 3.
Can I visit the school? Do they accept visitors?: Yes. Although no special invitation or prior arrangements have been needed until recently, it is now asked that you contact the school beforehand. Due to the overwhelming interest and the constant stream of visitors all year round, students have been distracted from their studies and it is requested that you do NOT drop in unannounced. You can learn some of the secrets to the educational methods employed at this school, in the DVD - The School: Humanity's New Future available in our online store >here<.

ORDERING:

Are the books available as e-books?: Not at this time. Actually, to get the greatest appreciation of her messages, Anastasia recommends reading the books away from the noise and distractions of modern devices (including computer screens!) — so they are probably best enjoyed in the traditional book format.
Are the books available as audio books?: Not yet. However check back soon! Or request to be notified >here<.
Where can I hear bards' music Anastasia talks about?: Ringing Cedars Press is currently compiling an album of the best of bards' music. You can purchase a $25 sample from this Ringing Cedars Music collection as a download or on a CD. Please contact us for details and to place your order.

PERMISSION & RIGHTS:

Can I use content from your website?: You may not without our written permission. We strongly encourage you to create your own content for your website. If you feel you need to use some content from www.ringingcedars.com, please submit your request in writing to our Rights Department for permission.
How do I obtain permission to use books' content?: Please apply in writing firstly to the author Vladimir Megré and then secondly to the Publisher's Rights Department for permission to use the English translation. Please provide initial relevant information to help evaluate your request. Note that the author does not read English.
I want to translate the books into another language. What should I do?: You should contact Vladimir Megré with your offer directly. Note, however, that if you obtain translation rights for your language from the author, you will likely be required to translate the books from the original Russian rather than from the English version we distribute. Obtaining a talented translator with a track record of translating Russian poetic prose and poetry may be a prerequisite for obtaining translation rights. (If, however, you wish to use this English version for translation purposes, you must apply in writing to the Publisher for a license, in addition to obtaining rights from the author.)
Can I obtain motion picture, television or radio rights for the book?: You can always try! :-) Please contact Vladimir Megré with your offer directly. Also note that if you plan to use the English translation we distribute in your production, you must apply in writing to the Publisher's Rights Department for a license to use their translation, in addition to obtaining the rights from the author.
I want to host a public screening of The School DVD. Can I do it?: Until further notice, the public screening fees for The School DVD are generously waived by the right holders, making it easy for you to spread the message by inviting your friends to watch and discuss this film together.

REVIEW COPIES / PROMOTION / AFFILIATES:

Do you provide review copies?: We do. We can even write your review for you! :-) (A joke.) Please contact us to request your review copy. Please provide initial relevant information to help us evaluate your request.
Will you exchange links / banners with my website?: We do not exchange links / banners with any other websites.
Can you sell my products / books through your web-site?: We cannot. Our time and resources are fully dedicated to distributing and promoting books published by Ringing Cedars Press.
Can I refer sales to you and earn a commission on referrals?: Yes and no. Yes, you can refer sales to us if you like—thank you! And no, we do not offer any compensation for referrals. However, we offer gift packs of Anastasia at a discount for promotional or any other purposes.
I want to advertise your books in my newsletter, can I?: Yes. You can promote these books in your newsletter or other publication. We will also appreciate it if you can run the text of your ad by us to make sure the books are represented in the right way. We may be able to offer you suggestions on how to improve the effectiveness of your ad. Note that if you want to cite the text of the books, you need to apply to the Publisher for permission.

SUBMISSIONS:

I am an author. How do I submit a manuscript?: We appreciate new authors' interest in submitting their manuscript. However, Ringing Cedars Press's list of forthcoming publications is filled for several years to come, so until further notice, Ringing Cedars Press will not be able to consider any new submissions from authors.