Celtic Books

This updated publication presents a concise history of the current Scottish regiments. The Highland and Lowland regiments, reknowned throughout history for their martial prowess, each have complex and lengthy histories. The author tries gallently to cover all of this in a rapid fashion, but can only be touched upon here. Naturally one has to expect that details of campaigns can only be briefly mentioned. The book is nicely illustrated depicting the uniforms of the various corps over the years.

All the famous names are here, including the Black Watch, Argylls, Royal Scots Greys, Royal Scots, KOSBs and Scots Guards. By including the 2nd Dragoons and SGs the book covers regiments of the Guards and what now is the Royal Armored corps as well as the Scottish Divison which contains what remains of the original Scottish regiments that were raised in the 18th century. The most pertinent chapter deals with the recent creation of the Highlanders (Seaforths, Camerons & Gordons) created in 1994 upon the amalgamation of the Queens Own Highlanders and the Gordon Highlanders. This newest creation of the British army contains some of the most famous Highland corps that were raised in the latter half of the 18th century. The book also includes disbanded regiments like the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) who ceased to exist in 1968 but who nonetheless contributed a vital history to the Scottish fighting man.

The book makes itself current by including this important information and provids a pretty up to date perspective. An added bonus is various regimental info. which is given including number of VCs won by each regiment, as well listing regimental and company march tunes for the interest of the reader. Unless further reductions are planned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD)in the near future, this book should stand for now as the most current concise history of the Scottish regiments available. Lets hope there are no more reductions for now as the current international situation may require the use of these fine old regiments, and the government that disbanded them before may regret that choice in the near future.

As an aside, the pipes & drums of the Highlanders shall be doing a three month US and Canada tour with the band of the Grenadier Guards in early 2003.

Irish history is about as complicated as history can get.Vance deals with the period between 500 and 1500 AD.From the people who inhabited the island from the 500's we follow the changes that took place as a result of invasions,internal warring,spread of Christianity,colonialization by England and Spain,etc.
Medieval Ireland was where the violent aftermath of the Reformation,the struggle between Catholic Spain and Protestant England,was played out.By attempting to become a vassal state of Spain,Europe's superpower and champion of Catholicism,Ireland became England's Cuba,an offshore island being secretely armed by a dangerous enemy.
This book shows how the spirit of a people only becomes prouder and more determined to survive and flourish,no matter how much they are oppressed.
Every aspect of life is dwelt with and the author shows how these things changed Ireland and made it what it is today.
Although this is a very difficult subject,the author manages to simplify it as much as possible and make it a reasonable easy read.The book is profusely illustrated with excellent color photographs, spectacular black and white drawings,maps and what appear to be excellent wood engravings.A first class Index and a Bibilography that will bedazzle any reader with an interest in Medieval history

Joseph Clancy's translations both here and in other books carry the force of dramatic power. As I read the poems in this collection, I was struck by vivid images that arrest me with a disturbing yet vital power. A man of profound Christian faith, Lewis does not shy away from hard questions, shining the light language into the dark regions of the human soul. Yet even in the darkest places, he still captures a glimmer of transfigured light. The hope revealed in the Eucharist is never far from Lewis' imagination. I highly recommend this volume for reflection and poetic genius.

These translations of Gwenallt are riveting. While I am not familiar with Welsh geography, I feel present to the world of struggle, pain and faith that Gwenallt writes about. His pen bleeds with passion and fire. I confess that many of the poems bring tears to my eyes every single time I read them. I read the poem "Sin" to a man who doesn't really like poetry and he was so stirred that he wanted a copy for himself.

The introductory essays also offer great insight into the life and faith of Gwenallt as well as the struggles of modern Wales.

During the last forty years a great many religious sites, dating from the Iron Age, Roman and post-Roman periods, have been excavated. These include shrines at Lydney, South Cadbury, Uley, Bath, amd Maiden Castle, and the great Roman cemeteries outside Winchester and Dorchester. Ann Woodward analyses the new information discovered at these sites, discussing in detail:

* types of site location

* Architectural styles of cult buildings

* the deities worshipped

* the ritual practices

* offerings and sacrifices

If you have any interest in Irish folklore or mythology- particularly in the interplay between the followers of these ancient beliefs and the encroaching Christians- then this book is for you. Dr. Carey's comprehensive analysis of the relationships between old Irish paganism and Christianity is not only thorough, it's surprisingly readable. His careful research and direct presentation- as well as his obvious love of the subject matter- help make what might otherwise be dry and dull into a wonderfully informative, interesting and accessible read. Valuable to the scholar as well as to the casual enthusiast.

Rob Penn gave up being an attorney to become a Manx poet!? Pretty original stuff. This is very funny but I doubt he will find himself with a Celtic girlfriend after this effort. Engaging and hysterical.

The book Songs of Cunolugus, by Chad Brown, is one of bravery and valor; it is the epitome of strength, love, honor, and loyalty.

The novels main character is of course Cunolugus. The story begins when Cunolugus is still within his mother's womb and it takes you on a journey to his adulthood. Cunolugus has several things that he must deal with; some things are against him before he is even born, such as the death of his father, the King of Bituriges. Can Cunolugus live up to the legacy of his father, his own expectations, and his gloriously painful destiny?

The historic details, the story, and the style in which it is told in this novel make it appealing for a variety of readers. This new author shows promise for future writings and I look forward to more...

Well work the money, great story, it was a roller coaster of emotions and definitely one to keep as I will read it again and again.

Very inspirational.

This survey of Celtic Saints provides an important analysis of the continuing relevance of the saints and their spiritual message. Ireland, Scotland, Wales and parts of Europe are surveyed in an examination which blends history with spiritual insights.