Matthews John Compiled Edited (5 results)

brown hardcover 8vo. (octavo). dustwrapper in protective plastic book jacket cover. very fine cond. mint cond. looks new. like new. binding square & tight. covers clean. edges clean. contents free of markings. dustwrapper in vg+ cond. 1cm tear rear flap edge, crease on the rear, not price clipped. nice clean copy. no library markings, store stamps, stickers, bookplates, no names, inking, underlining, remainder markings etc~. first edition. first printing ( FPu 1991 #1 in # line). b&w frontis. 320p. 13 full page b&w illustrations. text decorations throughout. bibliography. discography. journals. usefull addresses. mythology. religion. ancient history. ancient literature. folklore. ~ From the rich array of history, religion, myth and story that makes up the Celtic tradition, John Matthews brings together here a selection of writings which takes the reader on a fascinating journey through distant realms. As in his previous compilation, An Arthurian Reader, he has sought out lesser~known and unusual sources rather than presenting those more generally available. This collection of lore, life and literature sets forth the Celtic world, from the Druidic priesthood and rites to the bardic heritage, from the distant origins of the Celtic peoples to the colour and drama of their culture. Tales of adventure, magic, mystery and wonder from pre~Christian Ireland and Arthurian Britain interweave with ancient fables, Taliesin's poetry, excerpts from The Mabinogion, historical investigations into the ancient past and modern adaptations of ancient themes. Combining the talents of authors like Iolo Morgannwg, Thomas Samuel Jones, Ross Nichols and 'A.E.', the result is a glowing tapestry of Celtic life. Through this carefully~selected anthology, the reader is taken back to the ages of myth and legend and drawn into the remarkable and mysterious Celtic culture which gave rise to unforgettable art, intricate jewel~like myth and stories of gods, heroes and monsters. Fine drawings and engravings from a variety of artists are interspersed throughout, illustrating every aspect of the Celtic heritage.

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.

Reprint. Large octavo-sized paperback. Very good. With a foreword by P.L.Travers.

First Edition. DW. 176pp. Colour illustrations. V slight wear to outer edges o/w a nice copy in wrapper. VG+/VG+.

Soft cover. Condition: New. xxii, 168 pages : illustrations (some colour) ; 30 cm. A methodology for protecting and repairing concrete structures using a performance-based intervention approach is presented in this major report, which has been prepared by the CONREPNET network of European research and representative bodies sponsored by the European Commission.