The Sacred World of the Celts: An Illustrated Guide to Celtic Spirituality and Mythology [Paperback]

Nigel Pennick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000

The Sacred World of the Celts is a comprehensive and richly illustrated examination of ancient Celtic traditions and their continuity and relevance to the present day. 

Celtic language and legend were largely passed down through the monks of Ireland and Wales and consequently were "christianized." In turn, these renditions were subject to the interpretations of various "Celtic" revivalists that further concealed the true nature of the Celtic world. Nigel Pennick pushes back these disfiguring overlays and restores to us the primordial Celtic tradition, one which interweaves the spirit into all aspects of daily life. 

Examines all aspects of Celtic life, including myth, the status of women, and the bardic tradition. 

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Editorial Reviews

Review

. . . a comprehensive and lovingly crafted exploration . . . of this ancient culture and its continuity to the present day. -- Branches of Light, Spring into Summer 2001

A delightful journey into the myths, traditions, and spirituality of the Celts. -- New Age Retailer, March/April 2003

A richly illustrated, photographed, and thoroughly examined account of the illustrious history, traditions, and mythology of the Celtic culture. -- Independent Publisher

Irresistable. -- NAPRA Review

About the Author

Nigel Pennick has studied and practiced indigenous European spiritual traditions for over 30 years. The author of many books on European cultural traditions, sacred landscapes, and symbolism, his works include The Pagan Book of Days, Earth Harmony, Celtic Sacred Landscapes, and Mazes and Labyrinths. He lives near Cambridge, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Inner Traditions (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892817011
• ISBN-13: 978-0892817016
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,541,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice little study, September 28, 2000

By 

Tigerlily "-tigerlily-" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacred World of the Celts: An Illustrated Guide to Celtic Spirituality and Mythology (Paperback)

There are many books available on Celtic tradition and lore, but this one combines them very nicely. Well-written and well-illustrated, it is a good introduction to Celtic studies. For the newbie who wants to peek into the world of the Celts to see if he might be interested in further reading, or for the already-student who wants to delve a little deeper, you'll find it an asset to your library.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sacred World of the Celts....Very Informative!, October 9, 2001

By 

Lin Taylor (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacred World of the Celts: An Illustrated Guide to Celtic Spirituality and Mythology (Paperback)

This book had more information than I expected. From the origins of the Celts to the more "modern" aspects of Celtic society. This book covers geography, history, crafts, legends, religion/spirituality, politics and more.
I would definitely recommend this book to someone who was looking for more than just the basics. The book provided me with a "jumping off point" for researching more about the subjects that interested me...a kind of a text book that gives you a broader overview on the subject.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice Introduction To the Study of the Celts, December 5, 2001

By 

Julie Ann Benac (Ann Arbor, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacred World of the Celts: An Illustrated Guide to Celtic Spirituality and Mythology (Paperback)

Anyone wishing to begin an exploration into the history and traditions of the Celts will be delighted with this book. It will not overwhelm, yet it provides tons of information in a beatiful format. The photos are excellant. With Celtic history being as complex as it is, the book presents it in a way that is easily understandable.