One of the latest additions to OUP's 'Very Short Introduction'
series, The Celts continues the series' success in producing
informative, comprehensive and immensely readable guides to a huge
variety of subjects. Each book in this series is written by an
acknowledged expert in the field, and Cunliffe is no exception. He
has published widely on Celtish history, and one cannot help but be
impressed by the depth of knowledge he brings to this book:
although his speciality is archaeology, he includes chapters on
etymology and cultural history amongst others. Anyone wanting a
guide to the mishmash of ideas and culture that is present-day
'celtishness' will not find what they want here - this is a serious
but readable look at the historical facts. Cunliffe argues that our
ideas of a Celtic heritage encompassing the Irish, Welsh, Scots and
Bretons in fact reflect only small facets of a people that existed
for many centuries over a geographical area that stretched into
Eastern Europe and Spain. Cunliffe begins the book by recounting
how he was contacted by an American alcoholic, who said that since
reading one of Cunliffe's books he had realized that his alcoholism
was attributable to his Scottish roots, and was therefore something
to be celebrated! Celtic history is full of controversies, not
least because - and Cunliffe is happy to admit this - the evidence
for some of the claims he makes is very scarce. To his credit, the
author allows that there are interpretations of the evidence other
than the ones he suggests. Although some of the detailed historical
evidence can become confusing at times for the lay reader, Cunliffe
writes clearly and entertainingly. The Celts is to be recommended
to anyone who enjoys a bit of cultural iconoclasm, and it serves as
a fascinating introduction to a hotly debated part of history.
(Kirkus UK)
Savage and bloodthirsty, or civilized and peaceable? The Celts have long been a subject of enormous fascination, speculation, and misunderstanding. Barry Cunliffe seeks to reveal this fascinating people for the first time, exploring subjects such as trade, migration, and the evolution of Celtic traditions, and examining such colourful characters as St Patrick, Cú Chulainn, and Boudica.
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