Celtic Connections: The Ancient Celts, their tradition and living legacy
by David James and Simon Bostock
Blandford, ISBN: 0713726040

Reviewed by Julie White

A quite beautiful little book on Celtic history from stone age beginnings, through the iron age and the future advent of Christianity, finishing with Celtic traditions of today, such as the making of harps and the intricate carvings of love-spoons.

David James has managed to weave (like knotwork) a wonderful mixture of things Celtic to include features on the Goddess, stone circles, dolmens, sacred landscapes, Oghams, trees, holy wells and Celtic Christianity along with some of the most clear and atmospheric photographs I have ever seen in a book on Celtic history, most of these are by Simant Bostock, though there is a full list of the other photographers used. The pictures of Glastonbury at sunset take you breath away. I guess by now you realise I liked this book! Around many of the pages are painted knotwork borders by James, in good strong colours.

One of the things I really liked about the text was the crossovers. Many books on Celtia state absolute facts that just don't exist. James weaves a blend of Celtic and Nordic spirituality, alongside the history of ordinary everyday folk as well as Druids and Saints. Yet he does this in a way like he is telling you a story. If you buy this book you will read it in one sitting. Which brings me on to the price and the 'value for money' angle. If you have an interest in Celtia then it must be said you would probably have a good collection of Celtic books in your library, and this book, as far as history is concerned would not add anything. It would make a lovely present, or a beginner's guide for the person interested in Celtic history, but who is daunted by the hundreds of books on the market. With the 128 pages and the actual printing in a central panel of each page, either side left blank, I do wonder if ten pounds is a lot to part with, but all books today are expensive and for the magnificent photos of St. Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury (one of my favourite places), and the Ashbrittle Yew it makes it worth every penny.

At the back of the volume is a list of some very interesting references, many of which I haven't actually read, so I will go seeking. The further reading is a good mixture of books for the reader who is new to the subject. Go on, treat yourself, this is a great book.