THE DRUID SOURCE BOOK. Compiled And Edited By John Matthews. Foreword By Philip Carr~Gomm, Chief Of The Order Of Bards, Ovates And Druids.

glossy blue, white & gilt photo illustrated (cover of book and cover of dustwrapper are identical in appearance) hardcover 8vo. (octavo). dustwrapper in protective plastic book jacket cover. fine cond. binding square & tight. covers clean. faint edge spots. contents free of markings. dustwrapper in fine cond. spine a little faded, not worn or torn or price clipped. nice copy. no library markings, store stamps, stickers, bookplates, no names, inking, underlining, remainder markings etc~. second edition. illustrated title pg. 384p. b&w illustrations. notes. further reading. (list of ) major druid orders. index. religion. ancient history. prehistory. archaeology. mythology. ancient literature. ~ The Druids have long been misrepresented and misunderstood. The only true records that survive from when the Druids originally flourished are those of the classical writers, who were completely opposed to Druids and their practices. Julius Caesar wrote disparagingly about them and sought to destroy them. Since then much ill~informed and prejudiced writing about Druids has resulted in ridicule and misconception. The historical reality is that Druidism and early Christianity lived side by side for a long period, and a considerable amount of Druid philosophy was absorbed into Christianity itself Whether Druidism is regarded as a Celtic priesthood in origin and name, or a religion, it is clear that Druids and Druidism were important aspects of the life of the early European peoples, especially in Britain. In this comprehensive and brilliantly researched book John Matthews presents a cross~section through the diverse layers of Druid history and custom. Using rare sources ~ often lost or forgotten texts and translations ~ he shows how various aspects of Druidism originated and how these contribute to practices we see today. A Druid himself, John Matthews has expert knowledge and avoids the popular misinterpretation of Druidism as 'wanting to live in the past'. Instead, this book reveals the real truth about Druidism, its ideas and customs, and makes a vital contribution to current interest in the Druids. This unique collection dispels many of the wilder theories about Druidism, and provides a rich source of concepts for the modern seeker of truth.…