Chronicles of the Celts [Hardcover]

Iain Zaczek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1997

.,."exquisite...an excellent introduction to...the magnificent legends of the Celts. Over 120 photos and illustrations of relics, manuscripts and landscapes bring alive the mesmerizing stories...divided into three sections of Ireland, Wales, and Brittany. Each...contains a treasure trove of stories that transport you to a mysterious realm alive with invincible heroes, mystic warriors, faerie enchantresses, secret lovers and lost continents....invites the reader to see how the world of Celtic ideas and traditions influenced later epic literature..."--"Celtic Connection,"

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Welsh

Product Details

• Hardcover: 159 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806999497
• ISBN-13: 978-0806999494
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,982,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fabulous Introduction to Celtic Legends, June 22, 2000

By 

Waterrock (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chronicles of the Celts (Hardcover)

If you're a college-level reader who wants to sample Celtic lore, you will want to read Iain Zaczek's intriguing collection of legends. Besides introducing King Arthur and some of the better-known Irish characters, "Chronicles" also features lesser-known legends, such as the "City of Ys" tale, a captivating story of the wages of sin. Zaczek has done a good job of translating most of the stories to make them not only interesting but exciting -- even suspenseful for first-time readers. The text of the legends is tastefully intertwined with photographs and short lucid essays and notes on historical elements which have (or may have) connections to the stories. The stories are good -- not only good plots, but good myths, full of symbolism and half-veiled spiritual messages -- and they intermesh well with the book's supplemental features. Also, "Chronicles" is geographically and chronologically balanced: some tales are from Ireland, others from Wales, etc., and some tales are pre-Christian; others are syncretized, etc. About the only thing wrong with this book is that it ends before you want it to.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice book..., January 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Chronicles of the Celts (Hardcover)

I'm a real obsessionist when it comes to Celtic stuff; I love Morgan Llywelyn's books and I will read almost any type of ARthurian fiction that is not overly rusty. This book caught my attention... The stories are retold rather nicely, but I have to admit the thing that really stimulates your mind in finding that there is page after page of magnificent pictures. I was somewhat disappointed at the lack of stories; it only includes THE ULSTER CYCLE, some Finn mac Cool stories, tales from Brittany and the Barzaz Breiz including Welsh stuff. Would have been sweeter if it were longer, and included more info, but don't be put down by my interpretation of the book. Buy it. You WILL NOT be set in a rage... (not like I was after reading the skimpiest Arthurian book ever, "King and Raven" at least.)

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars celtic memories, February 5, 2000

By 

"spiritelf" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chronicles of the Celts (Hardcover)

I found the book fascinating in its choice of focus. Not only did it reflect what I had experienced myself on my trip to Ireland many years ago, but the sensitivity with which it wove the mystic and factual was impecible. From a reincarnational point of view - I had a chance to envision the lands I knew well in other times. The pictures reflect a diversity of icons and scenery - shrouded in mystery which tugs at memories. It was the most excellent gift I had received in a long time. Keep up the good work.