Customer Reviews

Heroes of the Dawn: Celtic Myth

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I didn't expect much from this coffee-table book in the bookstore. The cover was only marginally interesting. I opened it up and WOW! The detail on some of the full-color photographs is stunning. The book contains marvelous illuminated manuscripts, many containing intricate knotwork. But the jewelry really shines. Some of the Sutton Hoo treasure makes the reader realize that these ancient Celts were master goldsmiths. There are medieval paintings and some tapestries. Works of stained-glass. They did this rich culture justice.

The text is pleasantly surprising too. It is at times pretty vague, but this is necessary for such a broad set of topics. (Celtic history, language, myths, customs and culture are all covered.) Focusing on explaining those things through the subject of the "heroes" in tales was a good strategy and they pulled it off. The maps, pronunciation guide and easy to use index really helped to organize the book.

Nothing in the book will be new to a scholar of the subject, but it will be cherished by lovers of Celtic art and those new to the world of Celtic mythos.