Customer Reviews

The World of the Celts

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read the paperback edition of this book, but this account of the Celtic life and its interaction with the Roman Empire is much like a walk through a prominent museum. The sections are succinct and strike a fair balance between archeological/anthropological fact and general interest. The time frame and breadth of countries are far-reaching. However, I thought the author was adept at linking it all and keeping continuity in a "plot line" that spanned nearly a millenium.
The book is well illustrated and as much time can be invested in addressing the illustrations as reading the text. Essentially the book explains the provenance of those with Western European roots and underscores, again, how markedly the Roman Empire influenced what was to become modern Europe.

Although someone skimpy on information in places this book is a fairly good introduction and also should have a place in anyone's Celtic library. The illustration depicting the handle assembly of a La Tene sword is alone worth the price of the book for those interested in the archeological artifacts of the Celts.

I have read a lot of books on the Celts, as they happen to be a passion of mine. So when a friend of mine asked me to read this book and tell him how acurrate it is, of course I jumped at the chance.

First off this book is great for both beginners in the field and for people who are not, but want to update their information. It has beautiful pictures accompanied with lots of information and trivia.

It talks about all the new ideas that have been discovered lately and corrects a lot of others that have been going around for years.

I bought my own copy after reading my friends and now I use it as a reference for my students ( I teach Celtic History of the Internet).

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to REALLY learn about the Celts and where they came from, and their beautiful culture.

James' book is the best starting point for an overall study of the world of the Celts, with plenty of photographs and illustrations that further enhance his writing. Each section opens up new horizons of study, with an appendix of further reading divided into categories of interest to guide the reader on his or her way.

First the good. This is a fairly good introduction to many elements of the lives of the ancient Celts. (The Celts are properly thought of as a culturo-linguistic grouping rather than a group of ancient nation-states.) The author is obviously an archaeologist and approaches a lot of questions from this perspective. A great deal of emphasis is placed on material culture which, is fascinating in its own right, but leaves us with a rather incomplete picture of Celtic life. (Studies in comparative law, mythology, and ritual structure are also important but largely ignored here.)

The book is fairly useful and worth studying as an introduction to Celtic studies generally, but it doesn't really go beyond the introduction level.

A second issue comes with the focus on material culture. Certain important elements, such as the importance of Celtic tribes raiding eachother, get underemphasized yet these are where the main advancements in Celtic warfare came from including the 4-pommeled stirrup, etc. This may leave the reader with an impression of a more unified Celtic confederation than actually existed.

All in all, this is probably the best introduction to Celtic material culture that is written. It is accessible and wide-ranging, but not quite comprehensive nor without blindspots. On the whole, I would recommend it.

The Celts were a proud and fiercely independent peoples who covered most of Europe including England from Turkey to Portugal for over 1000 years. Although tribal with no written language other than religious runes, the Celts were great metal workers, horsemen, warrriors, and artisans whose spiritual and cultural force was guarded by druids: shamans who worshipped a pantheon of mostly nature deities and sometimes performed mass human sacrifices to appease them. This illustrative text by Simon James is a great introduction to Celtic history and culture that is approachable by all readers 10 or older. A great book for the casual reader and ideal for high school or general education classes.

Before exploring the evolution of Celtic culture and history from its earliest origins c. 1000 B.C., the book begins by clarifying their present legacy and by dispelling some popular misconceptions. For example, the book explains that the Scottish kilt was a romantic revival mainly introduced in the late 18th century and not a common Celtic attire: Celts wore pants and this brings into perspective Hollywood distortions in films such as 'Braveheart.' Actually, we are indebted to the Celts for giving us pants and leather shoes to wear as, otherwise, we would probably still be dressed in Roman fashion with tunics, togas, and hobnailed sandals. We are also indebted to the Celts for their thirst for beer instead of wine. The Spanish word 'cerveza' for beer is actually the Celtic word 'cervisium' as much as 'dineiro' is derived from the Latin 'dinarius' or 'silver piece.' The book continues in exploring the Celtic culture in a categorical as opposed to exclusively chronological order. The book makes sure to cover the continuation of Celtic culture in Ireland, Wales, and Brittany in France. The book's subjects are accompanied by numerous photographs, diagrams, and time tables to aid the reader.

Again, Simon James presents a great introduction to Celtic history and culture suitable for readers of all ages 10 and up with good subject overviews accompanied by plenty of illustrations. A great book for the casual reader and ideal for high school or general education classes. I strongly recommend it as an introductory text.

"The World of the Celts" is an excellent if somewhat superficial survey of Celtic history. The narrative focuses on the period from the emergence of Celtic culture in the first millennium BC through the collapse of the western Roman Empire, but it also touches upon the preservation and revival of Celtic culture through modern times.

The book is at times a bit dry--it's more like an encyclopedia or a series of brief topical essays than a sustained narrative. Having said that, the subject matter is very interesting and the short "chapters" make the book easy to pick up and read as time permits.

The photographs, drawings and other illustrations are quite impressive. They helped me to better appreciate the enormous artistic accomplishments of the Celts.

Beautifully written and illustrated history. Kept me compelled to read on in this beautiful text.

This was a solid, comprehensive historical read. Did this give anyone a better insight into Celtdom? That depends on whether one is a Celt or not. If nothing else, I understand the breadth of the Celtic people(s) at their height of expansion and evolution. A very inventive and talented people that I am proud to be descendant from.

James' book is the best starting point for an overall study of the world of the Celts, with plenty of photographs and illustrations that further enhance his writing. Each section opens up new horizons of study, with an appendix of further reading divided into categories of interest to guide the reader on his or her way.