The Element Encyclopedia of the Celts

Element Encyclopedia

by Rodney Castleden

The latest title in the much-loved Element Encyclopedia series, The Element Encyclopedia of Celts explores the history, culture, and mythology of these great peoples.

A comprehensive guide of Celtic history and culture, The Element Encyclopedia of the Celts tells the stories of these grand peoples and their way of life, including their heroic gods and goddesses, incredible myths and legends, and their everyday lives through their language, customs, and society. Encompassing their iron-age beginnings, European colonization, the various strands of ‘Celticness’ (race, politics, and culture), as well as the Celtic Tiger of today, this encyclopedia gets to the very heart of Celtic origin and meaning, as well as delving into the cultural and mythical background that draws so many to claim their Celtic roots today.

• The Celtic People and Their Way of Life• Celtic Places• Celtic Religion• Myths, Legends, and Stories• Symbols, Ideas, and Archetypes• Celtic Twilight and Revival

Accompanied by illustrations and maps, which show the spread of Celts across the globe, as well as the symbols of Celtic mythology and religion

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History, Mythology, Folklore, Paganism, Historical

577 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book for anyone who enjoys Celtic culture, history, or mythology. The introduction was a nice read, and the "encyclopaedia" part had nice, concise entries.

[Jon Dalvy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly documented and engaging resource I find myself going back to consistently, which is an incredible feat in the age of the internet, but not at all surprising for someone who's familiar with Castleden's work. Castleden gives great, unbiased historical context to events and individuals whilst acknowledging the conflicting accounts history offers up on Celtic mythology and legends (specifically the Arthurian controversy). I learned a lot within the bindings of this book!

[Sarah]

:)p

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great resource for the wide spread of celtic history. It really crosses its t's and dots its i's. Really interesting stuff.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much. I didn’t expect to, it still read a bit like a text book but I find myself keeping it for reference.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference book on the Celts but a bit dry and the section on stories is inconsistent about if it relays the whole thing or a brief summary.

[Lanie]

I didn't finish it.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely an encyclopedia. It would make a great reference book. I did read this beginning to end and enjoyed it immensely. I am 35% Scottish and was interested in things Celtic and this was a wonderful starting point. It introduced me to a lot of things to continue learning about. It was fun to catch pieces of the author's humor and snark as I went along. It's there, you just have to find it.

[MxEx · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book isn't bad, I recently read The Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend by Miranda J Green, and thought it was a more concise version of this. I also found it easier to get through. It also seems like Castleden inserts more of his personal opinions than Green does.

[Seph · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I continue to explore all things Celtic, religion, culture, history, literature, I found this volume to be a great companion piece. While there are volumes of great length and depth that far exceed what the average reader will find in this one, there are few (if any) whose broad sweep can match the contents found here. The entries are short and concise, well arranged, and contain numerous reference points to other, related, subject matter to be found throughout the book. I would highly recommend this volume for anyone looking to start their study of the Celts, or hoping to brush up on what they thought they already knew.

[Gail Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful guide to all things Celtic. I find it very useful when reading legends and stories that are Celticly influenced.