The Sea Kingdoms: The History of Celtic Britain & Ireland

Just when I thought I had read everything relevant to Celtic culture, along comes this work by Alistair Moffat and literally blows my mind. And he had already done that with another work I had read lately. He is amazing.Once one gets used to the image of the "inner sea" including the coasts of Eastern and Northern Ireland, Western Cornwall, Wales, Scotland and Mann, it is obvious that there was an entire kingdom with links to and defined by the sea (as a primal and efficient highway) and that those links go very far back in time, and extend as far away as the north coast of Europe and even the Americas(!).As I am coming to discover - this is the second book of his I've lately devoured - Moffat can feed you a lot of well researched information and make it entertaining at the same time. This was literally a "page turner" for me. I wish all history could combine cultural information with such detail and mature analysis, and then make it readable. He certainly doesn't disappoint.Want to know why the Lords of the Isles were considered an "independent" kingdom for so long, or why the Romans sent legions to annihilate the Druids at Anglesey? Or who might actually have "discovered" America and Iceland even before the Vikings? Or, for that matter, who the first Viking-style raiders were - spoiler alert they were Picts and Northern Irish in the 400s - just too many great details and too much history here to give away; or ignore. What part did the Church play in the decline of Celtic culture, and how well and where has Celtic culture survived?Get the book, and you'll be glad you did. I sure was.

If 'The History of Celtic Britain and Ireland' is at all of interest to you, then I highly recommend this book. The author has got a real feel for the subject. Sometimes you are along with him on a journey into areas of Celtic history where he travels to get the personal feel of the place. It is not a dry read at all, quite the opposite -- real humor, grief, other emotions are communicated -- a magical experience at times. Sometimes the thread of the story takes the reader from ancient times, now the 18th century, now again in pre-history. I do not mind that, actually, but some might not get why the author finds that kind of narration necessary. I read just before this book, "Arthur and the Lost Kingdoms", and I did not expect as much repetition from that book in "The Sea Kingdoms" as I found; it is not entire chapters used over, but simply some illustrations, never much more that a paragraph of material, and always reworded a little. To summarize, I find this to be an excellent history, as its title promises, with some ideosyncrasies that are not a big hurdle for an interested reader.

I enjoyed this book and a few of my relatives have borrowed it and read it. We all agree that the book could be laid out a bit better. All of what is written is interesting, but the chapters don't seem to follow a logical order of telling. Each chapter strives to make certain points, some of which were made by earlier chapters and just re-inforced. Even if I were to try to say that it fit a pattern of celtic art, it still doesn't seem to work. The writing style is a relaxed first person who visits places and then also discusses some of the places' history. Based on other books that I've read on the subject, I feel that it was missing some important points and views. I did find the stress on the languages as a root of the culture to be perceptive.

The author ably traces the evolution of the cultures of the British Isles through the evolution and manipulation of the native languages. When a conquering king wished to destroy opposition to his takeover, he found ways to suppress the language, which effectively destroyed the traditions and legends and even religions of the conquered people. Yet, the people showed a tenacity through the ages that has brought us a semblance of distinct cultures that we enjoy and celebrate today. The Welsh and the Scots have actually reinvented a lot of culture, since theirs was partially obliterated, but other distinct groups lost most of theirs altogether. If you are fascinated, as I am, by the traces of ancient differences and pride of heritage, this will be a fantastic read. If you just want to quickly read a history of the British Isles that holds the attention, this book will do that too.

I would recommend this book to all who want an essential understanding of Celtic heritage in the British isles and Ireland. This book covers many aspects of Celtic history that are not addressed in the typical history taught in school or in the most common publications. History is written by the victors, and the celts were not the victors throughout much of their history. There are many ah-ha moments, and often a realization that you may be reading about the other side of the story for the first time. This book is pretty good about giving an honest representation off both sides of individual conflicts. It also does an excellent job of explaining words, phrases and specific aspects of Celtic language and culture. I consider this book a must read for anyone who wants to understand their Celtic heritage.

A beautifully written history of Wales, Cornwall, Ireland and Scotland and to a lesser extent, England. Not so much in terms of kings and battles, but more in terms the swirl and clash of cultures. England dominates, but those other fine places struggle with some success to each have their separate cultures.

Highly recommended for the general reader. This is a very charming, readable, plaintive account of the gradual decline and disappearance of Celtic language and society in not only the classic "Sea Kingdoms" of Western Britain and Ireland but in other areas like the Scots Border.

Excellent book covering the Celtic sea peoples, their customs and activities. It’s a must read for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of these ancient Kingdoms, and their relevance today.

If ou shut your eyes a bit and remove all the roads and roundabouts and cars, you have a different Britain, Europe.It then becoomes apparant that the easiest way to get about would be by sea. and of course that's just what we did.And it was very much slower and more difficult by horse, or walking, also morre dangerous,Abook that says it all, bringing it alive.

Author is immensely knowledgeable but presents it all in a very down to earth, sometimes humorous manner.

An interesting perspective on the effects of Celtic culture on the history and development of the British Isles

Great product, great price, fast delivery - would recommend!