Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend - Softcover

Green, Miranda J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0500279756 ISBN 13: 9780500279755

Publisher: Thames & Hudson, 2005

Synopsis

The ancient Celts were the greatest and most powerful of the early European peoples residing north of the Alps. Warlike, exuberant, and superstitious, they saw divinities in every facet of life and nature, venerating deities of the sun, thunder, water, war, healing, hunting, fertility, and death. They practiced human and animal sacrifice, and a powerful priesthood--the Druids--presided over much of their religious life. The Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend covers every aspect of Celtic myth, religion, and folklore in Britain and Europe between 500 BC and AD 400. In parallel with the fruits of archaeological research, the testimony of Classical writers and the earliest recorded versions of the pagan oral traditions of Wales and Ireland provide us with a complete overview of Celtic lore. This guide presents that knowledge in over 400 copiously illustrated articles, together with a comprehensive historical introduction.

About this title

About the Author:

Miranda Green is the author of several books on ancient beliefs, including The World of the Druids (Thames and Hudson).

From Library Journal:

This well-written, attractively orga nized work encompasses Celtic myth, religion, and legend that can be "evidenced by archaeology and literature." Green, author of several books on an cient beliefs and cultures (e.g., The Gods of the Celts , Barnes & Noble Bks., 1986; Symbol of Image in Celtic Religious Art , Routledge, 1989), has accumulated a vast amount of material about the fascinating Celtic people during the period 500 B.C.-400 A.D. and she presents this information in a clear and interesting style. The main body of the work is preceded by a "Reader's Guide," a lengthy introduction, and a subject index. Articles, rarely longer than two full columns, are heavily cross-referenced. Major sources are cited and a full bibliography is included. Very well done and recommended for academic and larger public librar ies. BOMC selection.
- Pamela A. Grudzien, Central Michigan Univ., Mt. Pleasant
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0500279756
• ISBN 13: 9780500279755
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 240