Overview

This comprehensive study of the Druids offers a fresh look at the enigmatic and often controversial question of the role of these priests in Celtic society. The religion of Druidism is examined as an inheritance of Indo-European tradition, with intriguing analogies made between Irish and Roman cultic practices. The author identifies the functions of the ancient priests, providing an inventory of their duties and services. Druids are also defined in terms of their connections with other branches of Eurasian mysticism. This study will be of particular interest to scholars of Irish culture, Celtic culture, and comparative religion.

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9780313299551

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Reviews

A serious work of scholarship about the Druids, the ramifications of their presence in and contributions to ancient Celtic Society has been long in coming. From the first written mention of these mysterious intermediaries between the natural and supernatural world up to present perceptions, Prof. Lonigan examines the various interpretations of druidic power and influence. He takes traditional theories, clarifies or contradicts their import, and paints a clearer, brighter picture of the Celtic world than heretofore seen. The MERLINESQUE image of the druids will fade quickly after reading Prof. Lonigan's work. It is a pleasure to find an American author who can join the ranks of Chadwick and Piggott and, perhaps, surpass their efforts! - Grace E. Cameron Celtic Heritage Books

"""A serious work of scholarship about the Druids, the ramifications of their presence in and contributions to ancient Celtic Society has been long in coming. From the first written mention of these mysterious intermediaries between the natural and supernatural world up to present perceptions, Prof. Lonigan examines the various interpretations of druidic power and influence. He takes traditional theories, clarifies or contradicts their import, and paints a clearer, brighter picture of the Celtic world than heretofore seen. The ""MERLINESQUE"" image of the druids will fade quickly after reading Prof. Lonigan's work. It is a pleasure to find an American author who can join the ranks of Chadwick and Piggott and, perhaps, surpass their efforts!""- Grace E. Cameron Celtic Heritage Books ""Lonigan has the knack of combining historical linguistic skills with a broad background in archaic and classical European culture to produce a scholarly piece of detective work that entertains by an agile and surprising erudition balanced with cautious powers of deduction.""-Anthony Annunziata, Ph.D. State University of New York, Oswego"

Author Information

PAUL R. LONIGAN is Professor of European Languages and Literatures at Queens College, The City University of New York. He has published on Renaissance authors, the medieval epic, courtly romance, Irish monasticism, and the Old Irish tradition.

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