The Sacred Isle: Pre-Christian Religions in Ireland [Hardcover]

Dáithí O hOgain (Author), Daithi O'Hogain (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0851157475 | ISBN-13: 978-0851157474 | Publication Date: April 22, 1999

The myths and legends of prehistoric Ireland have inspired writers through the ages, down to W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney in our own century, but what do we know of the realities of ancient Irish belief? Daithi O hOgain's book approaches the question by studying archaeological remains such as tumuli, stone henges and circular enclosures and analysing the rich materials that have been handed down both in the great cycles of Irish heroic tales and the humble but significant survivals of modern folklore, for instance the traditions associated with wells and springs. Drawing evidence from these varied sources, he arrives at a balanced picture of a society and its beliefs which have all too often been the subject of conjecture and fancy.CONTENTS Pre-Celtic Cultures . Basic Tenets in the Iron Age . The Druids and their Practices . The Teachings of the Druids . The Society of the Gods . The Rites of Sovereignty . The Triumph of Christianity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An excellent book... a highly accessible and lively assessment of c ontinuity and change in belief and religion from pre-Celtic times through to the arrival of St Patrick. ...A fine book and to be recommended to a wide readership, especially to all those who think that Irish history started in 1601. --Irish Studies Review

About the Author

DAITHI O HOGAIN is Associate Professor of Folklore at University College Dublin.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (April 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851157475
• ISBN-13: 978-0851157474
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,295,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very thorough and scholarly, June 16, 2003

By 

"majnoon_" (Santa Fe, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacred Isle: Pre-Christian Religions in Ireland (Hardcover)

This is a definitive work on the subject. The author surpasses credible to the level of genuine expert. I feel safe in trusting his research and speculations. Being a scholarly work, the book isn't for the faint of heart (it can be thick reading at times), but if your into Celtic studies, the history of Ireland, the history of the Druids, then this book is a must and should be read and referred to again and again. The author uses a wonderful blend of archaeology, literature, and mythology not only of Ireland, but also from a vast range of sources. He ties in accounts of the Continental Celts, the Indo-Europeans, the Greek and Roman sources, and even accounts from India (Vedic, rig Veda, etc). The author gives us a complete picture that is supported by a myriad of sources and language associations. The only thing that I felt could have enhanced the book would be an index. Very great work, well worth the money.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes!, August 1, 2005

By 

BottledHammer "Anne Welch" (Hillrose, CO) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Sacred Isle: Pre-Christian Religions in Ireland (Paperback)

Excellent! Very blunt, well put, and provides the information in a way that is no nonsense, straight way. Loved it.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW! A stunning work that every Celt/Irish nut will want!, January 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sacred Isle: Pre-Christian Religions in Ireland (Hardcover)

O'Hogain has done it again, by providing another invaluable resource for those interested in learning more about Celtic and Irish pre-christian religion. Very well-researched and written, this book will take you on a journey back in time, which you'll never forget! Don't miss his other works either.