The Celts: A Very Short Introduction

Barry Cunliffe

Jun 2003 · OUP Oxford

About this ebook

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.

About the author

Barry Cunliffe is Professor of European Archaeology at the University of Oxford. He has excavated widely in Western Europe and is currently working in Spain, Brittany, and Wessex. His research interests have recently focussed especially on the importance of the Atlantic sea routes to European prehistory and history. His books include The Celtic World, The Ancient Celts, Prehistoric Europe, Facing the Ocean, and The Extraordinary Voyage of Pytheas the Greek. He is a Trustee of the British Museum.