Author Description
Savage and bloodthirsty, or civilized and peaceable? The Celts have long been a subject of enormous fascination, speculation, and misunderstanding. From the ancient Romans to the present day, their real nature has been obscured by a tangled web of preconceived ideas and stereotypes. Barry Cunliffe seeks to reveal this fascinating people for the first time, using an impressive range of evidence, and exploring subjects such as trade, migration, and the evolution of Celtic traditions. Along the way, he exposes the way in which society's needs have shaped our visions of the Celts, and examines such colourful characters as St Patrick, Cú Chulainn, and Boudica. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the historical reality of the Celtic people, stripping away centuries of myth and stereotype to reveal their true cultural and social evolution. Barry W. Cunliffe, a distinguished professor of European archaeology, utilizes his extensive expertise to synthesize archaeological data, linguistic evidence, and historical records. He argues that the perception of the Celts has been consistently distorted by the political and social agendas of the cultures that observed them, from the Romans to modern nationalist movements.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of Celtic trade networks and migration patterns across Europe.
- Examination of the evolution of Celtic traditions and social structures.
- Historical profiles of figures such as St. Patrick, Cú Chulainn, and Boudica.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide an exhaustive chronological history of every Celtic tribe.
- It does not focus on modern-day political movements claiming Celtic heritage.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts frequently cite this work as a concise, reliable entry point for those seeking to understand the complexities of Celtic identity. Readers often note that the prose is accessible yet maintains a high level of academic rigor suitable for students and interested laypeople.
Page Count:
184
Publication Date:
2003-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191577871
ISBN-13:
9780191577871
History
Archaeology
Celtic Studies
Anthropology
European History
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