Exploring the World of the Celts
by By James, Simon
Category: History , Europe , Ireland

"The whole race...is madly fond of war, high-spirited and quick  to battle...and on whatever pretext you stir them up, you will  have them ready to face danger, even if they have nothing on  their own side but their own strength and courage" - Strabo,  first century BC. Warlike, flamboyant, courageous - the ancient  Celts had a fearsome reputation, even among the bellicose Romans.  For 500 years they dominated the barbarian lands north of the  Alps, before being largely absorbed into the Roman Empire. But  Celtic culture survived and achieved a glorious flowering in the  post-Roman, early Christian era. Today Celtic influence can be  found everywhere, in arts and crafts, in legends, in placenames  and even in the languages we speak. In this new introduction to  the world of the Celts, Simon James looks at all aspects of their  history. Individual sections chart their rise, their way of life  from farming to feasting, their wars, their gods, and their  superb craftsmanship. Also highlighted are the hitherto neglected  subject of Celtic life under Roman rule and persistent traditions  that led to the Celtic renaissance in Ireland after AD 400.  Original features include the latest discoveries; extracts from  classical authors; illustrated retellings of the most famous  myths and legends; tables of comparative information; diagrams,  maps and site plans. The Celts once held sway over much of  Europe, from Caledonia to Asia Minor. Here is the whole story of  this immensely inventive and influential people.