Synopses & Reviews
This classic study of the druids, one of the three intellectual classes of the early Celtic peoples, was first published by the University of Wales Press in 1966. The druids were the most enlightened and civilizing spiritual influence in Celtic Europe and were held in high regard as priests, philosophers, teachers and judges. Nora Chadwick's book examines and assesses the early written evidence of the Greeks and Romans and considers the druids within their historical context.
The institution of druidism captured the imagination of the ancient classical world. Its appeal has continued to this day. Significant developments in the field during the last thirty years are discussed by Anne Ross in this revised edition, which also includes a map of the major known druidic sites and centres in Europe.
The Druids is a scholarly work of interest and importance to all those who feel the perennial attraction of its subject.
Review
“ . . . presents a fine classic study in paperback, covering the institution of druidism and creating a scholarly work which should interest any student of the druids. Enjoy an excellent history which packs depth and detail into its account.” -
Midwest Book ReviewReview
“It is very good to see this splendid source book re-issued in such an attractive format. . . Chadwicks concise survey is the essential starting point for any serious student of ancient druidism . . . one of the most fundamental modern discussions of the druids to be written in English.” -
Archaeologia CambrensisSynopsis
This study, first published in 1966, is mainly concerned with the Celtic druids through the eyes of classical Greek and Roman authors. Chadwick divides these into two chronological groups, the earlier, written in the first century BC and including Caesar, Strabo and Diodorus is often critical of the druids. The second Alexandrian tradition' including Lucan and Diogenes Laertius takes a more idealistic view of the druids and their background. A final chapter attempts to draw conclusions as to the nature of the druids and their origin and history; some controversial such as her belief that druids were not priests.
Synopsis
Despite their great influence in prehistoric Europe, the knowledge and teaching of the druids was never committed to writing and so their prestige steadily declined. This study seeks to classify the evidence afresh and to place the druids in their historical setting.
About the Author
Anne Ross was formerly Research Fellow at the School of Scottish Studies in Edinburgh and Research Fellow in Archaeology at the University of Southampton.
Table of Contents
Foreword to the Second Edition, by Anne Ross Further Reading Map 1: The Territories of the DruidsMap 2: The Nemeton Sites in the Taw Valley, DevonshireNote on Maps Preface by Nora K. Chadwick Principal Classical References I. The Problem. Some recent studiesII. The Ritual Functions of the Druids in the Early Classical Sources. The Tradition of PosidoniusIII. The Wider Functions of the Druids in the Early Classical Sources. The Tradition of Caesar and PlinyIV. The Intellectual Activities of the Druids. The Alexandrian TraditionV. The Decline of the DruidsVI. The Nature and History of the Druids Note. Divitiacus and DumnorixIndex