Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

An Archeological Detective Story
How could some one possible start with a peice of burned pancake and go to a full blown recreation of a person's life and last moments of death?Read the book and you will find out.

It is one of the best books out there that combine archeology and good old fashioned sleuthing to give you a great ride, one I will guarrentee you will never forget.

If you are intrested in the Druids and the Celts and want an accurate look at them, then this is your book.

DUG THIS ONE OFF MY SHELF - GLAD I DID!
A friend of mine gave me this one a number of years ago, and I placed it with my stack of "books to read" and, well, to make a long story short, it got lost in the shuffle...Anyway, I recently ran across it again, and this time I actually read it.My goodness, I wish read this one years ago.It is a very well written and well researched story.I was absolutely amazed at what could be learned from a body found after it had spent several centuries in a peat bog.The author wove a fascinating tale of a people long departed, yet, culturally are still with us to this day.Any of those interested in Celtic history or just the history of Western Man, needs to find and read this one.It is certainly well worth adding to your collection.

Fascinating!
Lovernios is believed to be an ancient Druid prince found ritually sacrificed in a bog. Who was this man? How did he come to be there? Discover for yourself in this fascinating historical story of Lindow man.

I really enjoyed the story of Lindow man. The authors discuss and bring forth theories on the life of Lovernios, the climate and time, and the ritual thinking which (may) have led to him paying the ultimate sacrifice to the Gods' of the bog- his life.

Great for those interested in reading about the life and times of the ancient Celts, as well as those interested in understanding elements of ancient Celtic traditions.

Fascinating detective story
It is remarkable how much the authors and forensic anthropologists manage to induce from one partial body found in a bog. I found their speculations generally very persuasive, and the writing is very good.

My only quibble is that, as other reviewers have mentioned, the last 1/3 of the book the authors lose their narrow focus and go off on all sorts of speculation involving the druids in general - that part isn't nearly as interesting.

If you like this book, the closest analaogy I can recommend is to books describing how much information archaelogists have wrung out of Lucy, the Nariokotome (sp?) boy, etc. - this book reminded me of those.

A brilliant telling of a historical mystery
This book stands out in my memory as one of the best popular books ever written on an academic topic. The tale of theof Lindow Man- a body found in a peat bog- unfolds like a great mystery tale, and yet every bit of it is firmly rooted in fact. The story begins with the discovery of the body, and progresses through not only the investogation of the body itself, but through the discovery and reconstruction of ancient Celtic legends, the later British legends that derive from them, and finally their relation to the rituals that spelled the death of the man in the bog. The result is a tale far more exciting than anything you'd find in any fantasy or mystery novel.

Towords the end of the book, the authors get a bit speculative, but they're up front about this, and careful to seperate what's known from what is more conjectural. The authors' scientific training shows in the care they take to make the distinction clear.

Why this book went out of print when so many purely speculative books that aren't have as thrilling is certainly a mystery to me. If you have any interest in Celtic or Druid history, or in British legends, or in cultural and phsyical anthropology, get this book. If it doesn't go back into print soon, chase down a used copy. It's that good. ... Read more

Product Description
This text explains the basis of ancient Celtic druidic life and its calendar, concentrating on why the seasons and cycles were inter-related and formed the basis of both Celtic life and Druidism as a religion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

good, so far as i can tell
i am by no means an expert on history. if i was i would be writing the books not reading them. my view of this book is colored more by the ease of readability and essential information that the author imparts. he sticks to the subject matter at hand and does not delve into some of the more esoteric aspects of the academia jargon. its very digestable and straightforward in its execution and when the author is speculating or just floating an idea, he says so. there is plenty of explanation on timeline given in reference to the roman empire which for those of us starting our exploration of celtic history is very helpful. all things considered i enjoyed this book and felt it benefited my understanding of the druid practice.

Still a very good book
I liked this book the first time I read it, many years ago.For those scholarly or purist druids disheartened by chapter 8, "The Eight Stations of the Year" there are well respected druids who say it was Ross Nichols (Founder of OBOD) who gave the idea/concept to Gerald Gardner (who jumped on it) at a time when the druids of Nichol's day pooh-poohed the concept.True, there is no evidence that the Druids celebrated the Vernal or Autumn equinoxes or the Winter solstice. Still, adopted as 'Wiccan' concept or not, I personally can not see how celebrating 8 holy days instead of the substantiated 5 (or 4) is such an awful thing. Druidry is after all, a 'living spirituality' which grows and evolves. Chapter 9 however, "The 13 Months of the Year," I agree should pretty much be ignored.

Beware Chapters 8 & 9!
Although I generally liked this book, I was disheartened by chapter 8; "The Eight Stations of the Year." This is a Wiccan concept, unfamiliar to the Celtic/Druidic mindset. There is no evidence that the Druids celebrated the Vernal or Autumnal equinoxes or the Winter solstice.
I was similarly disheartened by chapter 9; "The 13 Months of the Year," which relies on Rob't Graves' good old "Celtic Tree Calendar," which, more recently, has been found to be pure claptrap. If you're interested in a Celtic calendar, look into the Coligny calendar.
Not bad overall, but these two later chapters belong in the garbage.

Interesting
This work by Mr. King is a very interesting read, though difficult to get started into. It is full of factual information, scholarly discoveries and ideas that make even experienced followers of the path sit back and think. Despite the utility and genius of the book, there are a few things that I didn't like about it.

First, the title is deceiving. A little less than half of the book is actually about the cycles of the Celtic year, and even less about the holidays and rituals. The entirety of the first 4 5 chapters is general background information on the Celts and the Druids. While this information is useful, and accurate, it is also replicated in 100 other books.

Second, Mr. King makes an interesting case that the Druids were the remnant of a long-forgotten Pythagorean cult, at best a dubious proposition and a laughable one at worst. Though his points are interesting, it is all conjecture with very little solid information to back it up.

Lastly, Mr. King doesn't delve deeply enough into the various subjects he explores. Though the information is good as a primer, it is hardly an advanced book on the subject of the Celts and the Druids. Most of the information can be found in any other book.

I gave the book 4 stars because Mr. King makes some points that are glossed over, skipped or ignored by other writers. While its true that he does this to try to prove his pet theories correct, the information is made no less valid. The few unique things in this book turn out to be rare gems in the sand.

My First Dip into the Celtic Society
This is my first reading of anything Celtic and I absolutely loved the book.My intention when I purchased the book was to find out about ancient agricultural societies and how they viewed the world, how they functionedas a whole, and what beliefs they held.Interestingly enough, my interestchanged to actually enjoying the history behind the Druids and the societyin which they were held in such high regard.

I enjoyed the book forseveral other reasons as well: King made a valid argument as to thelocation on the calendar as to where the Celtic year would begin and end. It is logical, to me at least, that for an agricultural society they wouldcelebrate in the summer when food was plentiful and the days long; not inthe winter when they were possibly starving and living off of the meagerrations that they could eat from the salting of meat.

One of the otherreasons that I liked this book so much was because it dealt with so much ofthe Celtic society in such a relatively short novel.King touches onreligion, roman influence, cultural oversights by previous historians, andof course the calendar and their alphabet (which takes up a large portionof the later half of the novel for obvious reasons).

As a reviewer Iwould recommend this book to anyone interested in Celtic philosophy andSociety who haven't read any or much Celtic history as of yet.What I gotout of this book was that I wanted to read more about the society; to findout more about the Druids, the Bards (or Ovates) and their incredible---andsometimes magical---lives.Great read. ... Read more

Product Description
carried the seed of rebirth, so what had fallen would rise again.The ghost of her ancestor sent Druidess Tanwen from Britannia to the strange foreign tribe of the Caledonii to wed Brude, son of the chief. But Brude is not about to marry a druidess, even though she has the most beautiful body he's ever seen. Never mind if his blood boils and he can't stop thinking of her. He will not wed her. Yet the fate of Caledonia rests in the hands of the Warrior and the Druidess. Will they put their differences aside to fulfill their destiny? ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Title: A New Edition of Toland's History of the Druids : With an Abstract of His Life and Writings; and a Copious Appendix, Containing Notes Critical, Philological, and Explanatory; Original Publisher: Montrose : Printed by J. Watt, for P. Hill, etc.; Publication date: 1814; Subjects: Druids and Druidism; Mythology, Celtic; Druids and druidism; Body, Mind ... Read more

Product Description
Twenty years have passed since the events told in The Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara trilogy.Grianne Ohmsford, rescued from oblivion by her brother Bek, has renounced her former life as the evil Ilse Witch, and now serves as the head of a new Druid Council.Her purpose is to defend the Four Lands from anarchy and warfare.Such was the destiny foretold for her by the Druid, Walker Boh.But there are those who cannot easily forgive her past actions, and are loathe to follow her leadership.When Grianne's enemies cause her to disappear, only a few loyal friends can help her. The dwarf Tagwen; Grianne's nephew, Pen Ohmsford; and the Elf Prince, Ahren Elessedil, begin a desperate journey to find Grianne and return her to the Druids' keep at Paranor. Their quest is urgent, their way uncertain and perilous, for the darkest of magics have been used to spirit Grianne away. Pen Ohmsford is descended from the line of Jerle Shannara, the first of the Elven Kings, but his own magic seems small and inadequate when measured against that of his aunt's enemies, who will stop at nothing to thwart Pen's efforts to rescue his aunt and restore the nascent Druid Council. And there is another danger.An ancient and deadly power has found its way out into the world.If things are not put to rights, the danger to the Four Kingdoms will be immeasurable... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A cut above the rest
At last an intelligent and comprehensive introduction to what Druids are and what they do. I found this so much better than all the other introductory texts as it offers more background and is not afraid to tackle the philosophy. It is also good to find new names producing work. ... Read more

Product Description
The Druid Hills neighborhood is characterized by rolling hills,magnificent trees and shrubs and gorgeous, expansive houses. ItsPonce de Leon corridor bears the imprint of the founder of Americanlandscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. The brainchild of JoelHurt, the neighborhood was brought to fruition by some of Atlanta's mostprominent businessmen, including Asa Candler, founder of Coca-Cola. Itwas these movers and shakers of the city who lived in the neighborhoodduring the early decades of the twentieth century. In 1914, Druid Hillswas permanently altered with the announcement that it would be thesite of Emory University's new main campus. Now the residents coexistwith what has become an international university community.

HistorianRobert Hartle Jr. has written an honest, impeccably researched tribute toDruid Hills, truly one of the jewels in Atlanta's crown. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A timely item
As the Druid Hills neighborhood and Emory University are looking toward making some major physical changes, this book is the perfect aide to remembering the good old days.The photographs are perfect for evoking memories and the text is informative, well written and enjoyable.Hartle has done a tremendous job. ... Read more

Product Description
If you're involved in any form of Celtic Wicca or Witchcraft, or if you just want to know more about the ancient Celtic Priests, the Druids, you need The Lost Books of Merlyn by Douglas Monroe.

But you're not the only one who wanted this book. After his first book appeared, he received over 20,000 letters asking for more! That's the purpose of this book.

The Lost Books of Merlyn is a series of writings which have come down to us as attributed through the pen of Merlyn, or — more precisely — as having originally been in his keeping. Merlyn (upon whom the mythical Merlin was based) was a Druid, and the Druids were the priest-priest-initiators of their people. So this book is a reconstruction of the ancient philosophy, beliefs, and methods for personal transformation you can use today.

The book is composed of three parts, each one based on old Celtic legends, in the form of a story. Why was it written that way? "Because that is the way the Druids, the Celts, would have done it — that is the way they taught."

The three sections are "The Battle of the Trees," "The Book of Pheryllt," and "The Gorchan of Maeldrew." When these stories were originally told, the people knew the meanings of their symbolism. Not so, today. Therefore, at the end of each section is a grimoire explaining the meanings and, at the same time, sharing rituals, oracles, and magical methods.

You'll learn about tree oracles, Celtic signs of power, and the Druidic pantheon of deities. You'll discover how to contact Faery folk, the power of words, and charms of protection. Revealed, too, is how to make and use dowsing rods to find ley lines, and the secrets of magical dance and music. Also, you'll find out the secrets of the "Charm of Making" and the proof that it was ancient before it was popularized in a movie.

This just barely scratches the surface of the book. You'll find that the wisdom here will touch you and help you on your path. Read it and learn.



Amazon.com Review
Part adventure tale and part grimoire, The LostBooks of Merlyn remains true to the Druids' method of wrappingimportant knowledge in a story. Monroe's tale of the British Celts,their conflict with the Romans, and the last days of King Arthur,recounts the demise of the Druids but reveals the hope of theirresurrection today. Coupled with an abundance of spells, charms, andsacred rites, this is more than just a well-written fantasy, more thanjust a well-stocked spell book. The Lost Books of Merlyn isboth teacher and course. Whether you read it as a work of fiction ordig for a deeper meaning, you will hear a voice in these pagesspeaking to you as Merlyn speaks to the author: "Now, at last, it isyour turn to understand what has already been lived, and what may comeof it." --Brian Patterson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (50)

The Iolo Morgannwg of our times
Visionary or con-man? Keeper of arcane knowledge or blatant forger? Centre of controversy? Oh yeah!

All these questions were asked, with equal justification, about Iolo aka Edward Williams. And some of the key elements of modern Druidry come from his work. "Authentic" or not (and of course, he claimed it was, just as Mr Monroe does) it's working for a lot of people.

Is it a credible or effective magical path? You don't know until you try.

What a crock
Ughh! The second most horribly written work on Druidry that I have ever read, the first being "The 21 Lessons of Merlin." Oh wait he wrote that one too. I read it at the bookstore the other day just to see if he had learned from his previous work. He hasn't. He's still out there trying to con new Pagans into thinking he's got the "secrets."

I'll say what I said about his previous work:

Completely inaccurate in historic detail and wholly unbelievable. Its getting one star only because amazon won't let me give it less. I'd give it negative stars if I could.

If you want something that really talks about what the Druids did read "The Druids" by Stuart Piggott or "A Brief History of the Druids" by Peter Beresford Ellis.

If you want something about what modern Druids do read something by Isaac Bonewits, Robert "Skip" Ellison, or John Michael Greer and consider joining one of the larger Druid organizations.

Really where is he getting his info? He's not an anthropologist or even a historian he teaches Creative Writing. Where do you think he's getting his material?

Some folks just dont get it.
Some folks just dont get it. Monroe brings back the sense of mystery. You read the book and BANG. You put it down and go OUTSIDE....Wonderful.....

A Great Book on Druidism
You just have to love the people that hate this book. They stand for everything that is wrong is this world. If you have read the book and have an IQ over 50 you can see that all the one ratings are unfounded. It seems that the only thing wrong with the book is that hurt a lot of egos that wasn't meant to follow its teachings or understand them. No where is he sexiest. He doesn't say they are no female Druids. Mistletoe and Belladonna are not going to kill you if you use them right. Douglas held true to the Druids and oral tradition by presenting lessons in story form. You can tell that the ones who left low ratings didn't read all the book or it just hurt their poor poor uneducated egos. I guarntee anyone that this book will work for them if they keep an open mind. It's that simple. If you are stupid and egotistical like the ones who gave it a low rating then don't waste you time with this book. If you have an open mind and want to escape the modern wiccan-pagan hogwash this book is for you. Good job Douglas. I wouldn't want to try to defend myself from these idiots either. By doing that you showed you are right and they are wrong. Good job!!!

Online Book Club
I found an online book club and they were reading this book so I got a copy of it.Lots of fun seeing all the different ways people understood what the book was saying.It is a good reading book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fascinating play on espionage history
A spy the Germans have in the UK, who is motivated by ethincity (ie he's Welsh), survives through the Second World War, to a surprise ending. Based on historical facts and a few 'what if's?'. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: Montrose, Printed by J. Watt, for P. Hill, Edinbur; Publication date: 1814; Subjects: Druids and Druidism; Mythology, Celtic; Druids and druidism; Body, Mind ... Read more

Product Description
We hear their chants in the Stone Circles. We listen to the heaven-inspired utterances of the Archdruid, as he stands on the capstone of a cromlech, in the eye of the sun, surrounded by the white-robed throng. We see the golden sickle reverently cutting off the sacred mistletoe. We look under the old oak at the aged Druid, instructing disciples in mystic lore, in verses never to be committed to writing. Should we credit the Druids with the introduction of Sun worship, Serpent reverence, and the adoration of Idols? Or were they new comers, arriving subsequent to the establishment of these various forms of paganism, and merely known a little before the rise of Christianity in Erin? Chapters include: WHO WERE THE DRUIDS?, WELSH OR BRITISH DRUIDISM, IRISH DRUIDISM, ST. PATRICK AND THE DRUIDS, OPINIONS ON IRISH DRUIDS, IRISH BARDS, ISLE OF MAN DRUIDISM, FRENCH DRUIDISM, GERMAN DRUIDISM, DRUIDICAL MAGIC, NEO-DRUIDISM, DRUIDICAL BELIEF and DRUIDICAL MYSTICISM. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Printing mistake destroys readability
Would love to read this book but the font is like 5 point font! I'm not that old, but this is just too small to read. I think the content looks pretty good- perhaps the author or publisher will consider making this available for Kindle so I can bump up the font size. I don't think I've ever seen a book with font this small.

Good, but not necessarily for the zodiac
This is the first book I've found that attempts to link possible interpretations of archealogical finds with the myths and foreign commentary of the Celts.It is a bit difficult to follow, but it certainly had me thinking in a new way.

interesting theory but too hard to read
First, one should note that by "zodiac" the author is decidedly not referring to an astrological system devised by the Druids.This is a book on the cosmogenic ( pertaining to the branch of astronomy dealing with the origin and history and structure and dynamics of the universe) beliefs of the Druids.The author uses the Gundestrap cauldron and Coligny Calendar as his archaeological template for his theory and this seemed a fascinating enough premise when I picked up the book.However learned the author is, though, some of the arguments are so interrelated, going from point A to B to C, etc., that I was often lost at the connections.It was with great reluctance I abandoned this book 2/3 of the way through.I wanted to like this book, I really did.There is something romantic about the notion that I could look at constellations just a little like the Druids might have, but the read was too thick to churn through to find the answers. ... Read more

Product Description
Fires of Belenus is a romantic tale, that tantalizes readers with rational portrayals of mythical events found in the Cú Chulainn and Arthurian legends. The Sword in the Stone, Lady of Lake, and Cú Chulainns stand at the river ford are brought to life in plausible new ways that make the work unique. It is a tale of Historical Fantasy, made believable by accurately portraying ancient Celtic culture.A thousand years before the Romans, Celtic people cultivated the Rhone Valley. Celtic languages were spoken from Asia Minor to Spain and from Northern Italy to Ireland. By the third century BC, their culture had evolved into a complex civilization with sophisticated social structures, laws, and folklore that are the roots of modern European culture. But the Celtic world was a violent world, controlled by mystical Druids and warrior chieftains, ready to take the heads of their rivals over the most trifling insult.When a meteorite plunges deep into the heart of Celtica, the blinding flash turns night into day and the impact flattens miles of countryside. A great sword is forged from the sky stone that is prophesized to shape the destinies of future generations. Warrior chiefs and scheming Druids vie for ownership of the wondrous blade, cutting a trail of blood and murder across the Celtic world.It falls on Eoan, a mere boy on the edge of manhood, to embark on a quest, against insurmountable odds to retrieve the sword and rescue his love, Roisin, from the sacrificial fires of Belenus. Pitted against Cimbri mercenaries and ruthless warlords, he races against time to save her. Beguiled by Roisins mesmeric beauty, he is not even sure that she loves him in return. He only knows the path of the swords destiny runs through his heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ancient Celts Meet Captivating Story Line

I decided to buy this book after reading its review in Renaissance magazine. William H. Russeth brings ancient characters to life, from sensitive Eoan to Thuringa (the ancient version of a thug). Russeth delves deeply into the everyday life of a person living in this time, from blacksmith to Druid to Ard Ri (King?). While the main conflict involves the ownership of of a sword forged fromameteorite, human relationships are also a main focus. Although a love story, Fires of Belenus is by no means "cheesy" or "mushy". True to the time and culture, violence and blood shed are a part of this great read. However, Russeth includes this aspect of everyday life in such a way that is realistic, yet able to stomach. Lovers of history and Arthurian Legend, I highly recommend Fires of Belenus. ... Read more

Product Description
Unloved and unwanted as a child, Danielle has come a long way. Happy and content with her new life with the werewolf clan that rescued her, she has learned to us her talent to Walk the corridors between the worlds of the Chain aiding the witches and warlocks who protect the innocent from evil. It has taken a lot of soul searching and training by the witches but she has learned to control her emotions and forgive herself for the deaths of her abusers. It has been a long time since the fires of rage burnin ... Read more

Product Description
1809. This work discusses the mythology and rites of the British druids ascertained by national documents and compared with the general traditions and customs of heathenism, as illustrated by the most eminent antiquaries of the age. With an appendix containing ancient poems and extracts with some remarks on ancient British coins. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Authoritative
An extremely authoritative and accurate presentation of the subject. Very well researched. ... Read more

Product Description
The first instalment in a magical new SHANNARA trilogy Twenty years have passed since the events told in The Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara trilogy. Grianne Ohmsford, rescued from oblivion by her brother Bek, has renounced her former life as the evil Ilse Witch, and now serves as the head of a new Druid Council. Her purpose is to defend the Four Lands from anarchy and warfare. Such was the destiny foretold for her by the Druid, Walker Boh. But there are those who cannot easily forgive her past actions, and are loathe to follow her leadership. When Grianne's enemies cause her to disappear, only a few loyal friends can help her. The dwarf Tagwen; Grianne's nephew, Pen Ohmsford; and the Elf Prince, Ahren Elessedil, begin a desperate journey to find Grianne and return her to the Druids' keep at Paranor. Their quest is urgent, their way uncertain and perilous, for the darkest of magics have been used to spirit Grianne away. Pen Ohmsford is descended from the line of Jerle Shannara, the first of the Elven Kings, but his own magic seems small and inadequate when measured against that of his aunt's enemies, who will stop at nothing to thwart Pen's efforts to rescue his aunt and restore the n ... Read more