War, Women, and Druids: Eyewitness Reports and Early Accounts of the Ancient Celts Paperback – 1 Oct. 2002

A more interesting and informative read on all things Celt, I don't believe can exist now or ever. What a thorough and fasinating read.

At 99 pages and $35US (at time of review), the book doesnt come cheap. Thats the negative.However if you are seeking quality over quantity and want a work where the bulk of the information is drawn from first hand accounts, as opposed to suppositions and conjectures by present day historicans then this is a fine work.Chapter names are: (1) War (2) Feasting (3) Poetry (4) Religion (5) The Western Isles (6) The Ancient Celts Speak. The first 5 are self explanatory but the last is less so. The last chapter is basically overturning the old view that Druids left no written records due to their forbading any sacred text as well as the notion that Classical Celts were illiterate. Through inscriptions carved into stone or tablets of various material the author conveys some interesting points about Celtic life and practices, particuarly superstition and religion.Its full of little gems, such as first hand accounts of human sacrifice. Usually a poor criminal was chosen. The unlucky person could be kept imprisoned for 5 years before being impaled on a pole in honor of the gods. If that wasnt enough of an indignity he/she was then tossed onto a bonfire. Then there was the Celtic habit of proudly displaying the severed heads of tribal foes in their Gallic homes that was only brought to an end by Roman rule. If that doesnt wet the appetite you get to learn about funeral rites where once tradition dictated even beloved subordinates of the deceased may be thrown into the fire to appease the Gods (hence unpopularity and a high rank were truly worthy attributes to aspire to). It was also a requirement at council meetings that a bard be present for it appears that only the soothing music of bard could keep tempers under control. As one turns the pages, so much more one learns that both shocks and enlightens the senses.All up these images of Celtic culture above are probably not ones that readily come to mind. But they are just as much a part of Celtic society as the admirable art and craft works, peaceful images of druids wandering around prosperous villages or warriors just fending off enemies.All up, it makes for a nice informative and lucid read about all facets of Celtic life from across the regions of Gaul, Britian and Ireland. Now if only they could make is more accessible by significantly lowering the price to match the size - it would be just perfect.

Great read! Fascinating and in depth look at the ancient celts.