Twilight of the Celtic Gods
by David Clarke and Andy Roberts
Blandford. Hardback ISBN: 0713725222

Reviewed by Julie White

Now we all know that the next World War will, in all probability, be fought over whether the Celts were real, and if they were, where they came from. At the moment it seems in vogue to not believe, so as a believer I was more than happy to read this wonderful book. The dust jacket has the explanation of 'An exploration of Britain's hidden Pagan traditions'. and this is what they achieve, but there is much more in this book. Clarke and Roberts have truly researched the field of what I would call 'folklore and alternative archaeology' when they lead us on a fascinating account of Celtic traditions that are still alive today in Britain. The thing that is different is the location of these traditions. Not the usual Celtic lands, such as Wales, Ireland, Scotland and the West Country, but the Derbyshire Peak District, the Pennines and Yorkshire, where families have lived out and passed down orally Celtic traditions and superstitions.

Two examples that particularly appealed to me was the chapter on St. Ann's Spring, Buxton, which at one time was called Anu's Spring, and was sacred, so much so that roads actually led there at one time. Buxton Water (the bottled stuff) comes from that very source, which is useful if you need some sacred spring water!
The other chapter I found very interesting was about Alderley Edge in Cheshire. This is the part of the British Isles that Alan Garner wrote his novels about. So being a Garner fan and feeling his books 'The Weirdstone of Brisingamen' and the 'Moon of Gomrath' spring to life from the myths and folklore of the area was fantastic.
If you like landlocked myths, lonely standing stones on misty moors, sacred wells dedicated to the Goddess, magic springs, secret shrines, and tales of the Old Ways, then you will love this book. The authors prove that 4,000 year old traditions can and do survive in these remote valleys and hills, that the Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic people never died.

The book contains many superb photographs in black and white and full colour, but I really liked the beautiful line drawings in pen and ink. The reading list at the back is excellent, and having read most of them myself, I was pleased to see many of them included. Also it was nice to see a useful contact list for those who want more. Truly this book will have you saying, 'I hope they write another one.'