The Druids

(Paperback)

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Description

There can be no doubt that the druids were the most enlightened and civilising spiritual influence in prehistoric Europe, as one of the three intellectual classes of the early Celtic peoples. However, neither their knowledge nor their teaching were committed to writing so that in the course of centuries their prestige declined before the general spread of Mediterranean culture. Accordingly most of our information is derived from late and hostile sources. This book is an attempt to classify the evidence afresh and to place the druids in their historical setting. This classic study by one of the great names of Celtic scholarship, is re-issued with a new introduction by Dr Anne Ross, and a map of the main druidic sites in Continental Europe and the British Isles is included.

Reviews

'No people in Celtic antiquity has attracted as much attention as the druids, and it is fitting that such a doyen of Celtic studies as Mrs. Chadwick should give us her view on this controversial order.' -The Welsh History Review 'It is very good to see this splendid source book re-issued in such an attractive format... Chadwick's concise survey is the essential starting point for any serious student of ancient druidism ... one of the most fundamental modern discussions of the druids to be written in English.' Archaeologia Cambrensis '...presents a fine classic study in paperback, covering the institution of druidism and creating a scholarly work which should interest any student of the druids. Enjoy an excellent history which packs depth and detail into its account.'

Author Bio

Before her death, Nora Chadwick studied at Cambridge University, she also lectured at Cambridge and St Andrews University. Anne Ross is currently a Lecturer at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.