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History lies in the eye of the beholder, and the differing interpretations through the ages of the term ‘Celts’ add a whole additional level of fascination to the reality.
Licentious pagans or mystical druids? Rapacious vandals or noble adversaries? The images we have of the Celts are certainly dramatic, and in this highly acclaimed account, Nora Chadwick reveals the truth about their lives. With its copious illustrations and handsome binding, this newly revised Folio edition pays homage to a classic account. Also included is a preface and introductory chapter by Sir Barry Cunliffe.
Production Details
Bound in buckram, blocked with a design by Frances Button
Set in Imprint
344 pages
Decorative title-page and 32 pages of colour and black & white plates
6 maps
Blocked slipcase
10˝ x 6¾˝
A master of storytelling
Chadwick studied at Newnham College, Cambridge and later became an Honorary Life Fellow. An internationally renowned authority on the origins and customs of the Celtic peoples, she was awarded a CBE in 1961. Here she creates a panoramic portrait of their culture, from their arrival in the British Isles around the 8th century BC to the eventual transformation of their way of life under the Romans and later the Saxons. Her book is a remarkable achievement, not least because the Celts, believing that knowledge was a spiritual possession, left virtually no written records. Using archaeological evidence and descriptions from classical sources, Chadwick reveals the Celts to be a people feared and admired in equal measure, who, at their peak, ruled the greater part of Britain and large swathes of Europe. Their history is one of resilience and unlikely survival, as first the Romans – to whom they were both formidable opponents and, later, invaluable allies – and then the Anglo-Saxons descended on the lands the Celts had made their home.
Chadwick devotes chapters to their art, literature and religion, including the arrival of Christianity. Her detailed exploration unearths fascinating facts, such as the development of distinctive musical forms, the ritual importance of human sacrifice and how the traditions of both marriage and concubinage varied across the Celtic regions. Shedding light on the beliefs, mythology, institutions and artistic heritage of the Celts, Chadwick crafts an intimate portrait of early life across Europe and the British Isles.
‘The culmination of a lifetime’s study by one of our greatest Celtic scholars.’
Sir Barry Cunliffe
First published in 1971 and fully revised in 1997, The Celts has exerted a huge influence over a generation of academics and general readers. This newly reissued edition features binding and slipcase designs specially commissioned from the artist Frances Button, as well as a coloured title-page frieze and Celtic-style ornaments around each chapter opener. Also included are new maps drawn by Reginald Piggott. Our picture researchers sourced new photographs from the British Museum, the Württembergisches Landesmuseum and the National Museum of Denmark. Among them are images of the exquisite Tara Brooch, helmets and shields found in the River Thames, and the stone figure of the mythological ‘Monster of Noves’.
Reviews Powered By
Average Score for 37 Review(s)
Great book so far!
Review by
Samuel Lupton
on 13th July 2024
Great book. Very happy with purchase.
Review by
Caitlin Burke
on 26th April 2024
Excited to read it.
Review by
MS BRENNA SLAWICH
on 10th April 2024
The book itself by Nora Chadwick remains a good book on the subject, but I am definitely disappointed with the physical copy of this book.
I know there have been previous printings of this book with a reddish cover, so it might be quite different with those, but this 12th printing I received was printed in China. Unfortunately, unlike some other Folio Society books printed in China, it shows!
The cover feels awkward to the touch (a bit sticky perhaps, though I am not comfortable calling it that), the gold print on the cover and spine seem like they will come of just by handling the book to read it. The paper is not particularly smooth, the book does not seem very robust and it has an uncomfortable smell. Though to be fair the printing quality of the text and the images within the book is very good.
The book came in a relatively flimsy slipcase but that is not too egregious. It did arrive a bit dented though.
This is not the quality of book that you expect from The Folio Society.
Sad, but I wanted to read this book and I would have certainly been more upset if I had not bought it on a 50% sale.
Review by
Laurentius Agricola
on 23rd February 2024
The spine and cover art are simply stunning! The text is informative and a great addition to my home library. The protective sleeve/case is wonderful to protect the book over time.
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