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The Modern Antiquarian Forum » Books of possible interest |
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Littlestone 5386 posts |
Edited Mar 08, 2017, 16:27
Apr 11, 2007, 16:32
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Ronald Hutton's latest book, The Druids, "...is the first comprehensive study of what people have thought about the ancient Druids and why. Written in a racy and accessible style, it is essential reading for everyone interested in exploring our mysterious past. Most books written on the Druids hitherto have been by archaeologists specialising in the Iron Age, who have occupied a great deal of space trying to find things to say about the 'original' ancient priesthood. Most have then devoted a final section of their books to people who have called themselves Druids since 1700 - until recently with contemptuous dismissal. Hutton's contention is that the sources for the ancient Druids are so few and unreliable that almost nothing certain can be said about them. Instead, he reverses the traditional balance of interest to look at the many ways in which Druids have been imagined in Britain since 1500, and what this tells us about modern and early modern society. In the process, he achieves many new insights into the development of British national identities, established and 'alternative' religions, literary culture, fraternal organisation and protest movements. He also suggests new ways in which the discipline of archaeology can be perceived - which will delight some practitioners and enrage others."* * http://www.amazon.co.uk/Druids-History-Ronald-Hutton/dp/1852855339 Hardback. 234x156mm. 320 pages. 28 colour and 77 B&W illustrations. ISBN: 1852855339. |
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Cursuswalker 597 posts |
Edited Jan 05, 2010, 19:59
Apr 11, 2007, 22:11
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Still waiting for my long-awaited copy...
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Wild Wooder 216 posts |
Apr 12, 2007, 05:07
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A bit off thread here, but I'm currently reading Ronald Hutton's Triumph of the Moon, a history of modern pagan witchcraft. Very highly detailed and a bit slow going but also very interesting. I shall eventually finish it.
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Cursuswalker 597 posts |
Apr 12, 2007, 12:04
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Wild Wooder wrote: A bit off thread here, but I'm currently reading Ronald Hutton's Triumph of the Moon, a history of modern pagan witchcraft. Very highly detailed and a bit slow going but also very interesting. I shall eventually finish it. Hutton's approach is one I love. The "Macrocosm" section of the book is heavy going but is essential for the whole context of Wicca in the second "Microcosm" section..
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Littlestone 5386 posts |
Apr 12, 2007, 12:50
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Hutton's approach is one I love. Yup, me too - he's also a very nice bloke. Not sure if The Druids is out yet CW. http://www.continuumbooks.com/Authors/detail.aspx?ReturnURL=/Search/default.aspx&CountryID=2&ImprintID=2&AuthorID=146887 gives a publish date of 21 May but maybe that's just for the States. Amazon say they have it in stock and it's in the spring catalogue of The History Guild (selling there for £15.99 as compared to the RRP of £19.99).
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moss 2897 posts |
Apr 12, 2007, 13:59
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He's a very good writer, saw him at a lecture last year pulling apart the goddess theory; a gentle man is how I would describe him fascinated by his subject. Had some problem with giving the lecture, getting over a brain tumour I think he said, but he said he could'nt hear very well because of it. Which is completely off the subject but Stuart Piggott also wrote a good book entitled "the Druids" 1968 I think which gets back to the subject...
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Littlestone 5386 posts |
Apr 12, 2007, 15:00
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...a gentle man is how I would describe him... Yes. I went into a pub in Devizes a few years ago and he was sitting alone in the corner. I recognized him, and nodded, and he invited me to join him. We spent a pleasant half hour or so chatting over a couple of pints. He is, as you say, a gentle man - also a little quiet but with such depth of knowledge. A very special person, and I hope he is now fully recovered from his illness.
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dee 1955 posts |
Apr 12, 2007, 16:11
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I saw him give a talk once, but have never read his stuff....any recommendations?
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Littlestone 5386 posts |
Apr 12, 2007, 16:21
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He's written so much dee, and I'm sure everyone has their favourites, but you could maybe start with his, The Pagan Religions of the British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy. ISBN 0-631-18946-7.
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dee 1955 posts |
Apr 12, 2007, 16:24
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Thanks, sounds like a good place to start!!
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