Celtic Mythology

This book is somewhat dated (as can be expected given that it was published about a hundred years ago). At the same time, it is fairly basic in the level of analysis given, so it is probably one of the better introductions to the study of Celtic myth (after one is generally familiar with the sources and myths themselves). Where the book really shines though is in the illustration setting. It includes detailed material on New Grange, Gaulish coins, Gaulish iconography and more. On the whole, I think the book is still quite valuable despite its age, and I would highly recommend it.

I suppose that some of the work in this book, one of a 13 volume set written between 1916 and 1932 (reprinted in the 1960s), has been changed by more recent scholarship, but there is still nothing to equal this fantastic achievement. The set includes not only the more familiar myths such as Greek and Roman, but pretty well succeeds in its goal to include all of humanity. The text is extremely detailed but very readable; none of the turgid prose so often associated with academia. The volumes contain numerous illustrations, both in the text and as plates (mostly black & white.) One of the most useful parts of the set is the final volume, an extremely detailed index, which allows the reader to pursue a theme, or even a topic as specific as the significance of belts, across all the volumes. The individual volumes do not have their own indices, but the tables of contents are fairly detailed. The books appear to have been issued without dust jackets.

Despite it seemingly basic title, this is not a basic text for explorers of Celtic mythology. For those interested in introducing themselves to the stories, something like Squire or Rolleston might be more useful. But to someone who already knows them, they will find the tale theme comparisons interesting and might also enjoy the presentations of alternative forms of the tales. It is more of a comparative study, rather than a straight forward rendering of the tales. While the three major heroes (CuChulain, Fion, and Arthur) get a fuller treatment, other stories, which would be pages long in other books, are reduced to as little as a paragraph. It is a great book, though, for one ready to delve farther into this fascinating subject.