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The Celtic World

By: The Great Courses
Narrated by: Professor Jennifer Paxton PhD
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Summary

Following the surge of interest and pride in Celtic identity since the 19th century, much of what we thought we knew about the Celts has been radically transformed. From the warriors who nearly defeated Julius Caesar to druids who, contrary to popular opinion, definitely did not worship at Stonehenge, get to know the real Celts.

In The Celtic World, discover the incredible story of the Celtic-speaking peoples, whose art, language, and culture once spread from Ireland to Austria. This series of 24 enlightening lectures explains the traditional historical view of who the Celts were, then contrasts it with brand-new evidence from DNA analysis and archeology that totally changes our perspective on where the Celts came from. European history and culture have been profoundly affected by the Celts, from the myth of King Arthur to the very map of the United Kingdom, where the English confronted the peoples of the "Celtic Fringe."

With a wealth of historical expertise, Professor Jennifer Paxton (PhD Harvard University), Director of the University Honors Program and Clinical Assistant Professor of History at The Catholic University of America, guides you through each topic related to Celtic history with approachability and ease as you unearth what we once thought it meant - and what it may actually mean - to be Celtic. Professor Paxton's engaging, often humorous delivery blends perfectly with the facts about the Celts to uncover surprising historical revelations. The ancient Celts are very much alive in the literary and artistic traditions that their descendants have both preserved and very deliberately revived. All facets of Celtic life, past and present, are addressed by Professor Paxton, who demonstrates a masterful knowledge and carefully separates fact from myth at every turn. Come along for a ride through history to discover your inner Celt.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2018 The Great Courses (P)2018 The Teaching Company, LLC
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What listeners say about The Celtic World

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Wonderful series of lectures

Prof Paxton brings alive this fascinating story in a totally engaging, scrupulously fair and informative manner. I’m in my seventies but now feel so much more familiar - and even proud - of the cultural region in which I have always lived

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learning

this has been a brilliant book and i recommended it to all who will give it a go

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5 people found this helpful

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Interesting, balanced and without embellishment

Very well put together. Very well voiced. It's nice to get a 'fact' based account of the Celts without the embellishments. The only negatives are that in the latter part of the lecture series, it's very heavily Ireland centric and Wales is very much glossed over. A number of mistakes, for example translating "Plaid Cymru" to "the children of Wales" when it means "Party of Wales" makes you wonder what else is incorrect.

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Very good reaf

very well structured and organized easy to understand and to follow the complicated and tangled history of the Celtic world.

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3 people found this helpful

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Covers the basics

Talks more about what we don’t know about The Celtic World, than what we do know; pitched toward an American audience. Covers the basics.

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1 person found this helpful

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Enjoyable

The lectures were presented in a beautiful and informative manner that encouraged the listening more.

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Comprehensive & insightful

Really enjoyed this audio-book. Very easy to listen to and follow - well structured & expansive. Had both depth and accurate observation and reflection on ancient and contemporary international Celtic World.

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Essential Reading!

This was in depth and utterly compelling. Bite sized chunks of 30 minutes each. I would 100% recommend this wonderful adventure through Celtic History!

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Great history

Excellent course. Well presented. I really enjoyed it and learned alot. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history.

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Enlightening and Engaging

Almost every part of this book has come as an eye-opening revelation to me, a Welshman, who knew so little of Celtic history and culture. It is like someone has gifted me with a part of myself I didn't realise was missing.
Most popular history in the UK in my experience tends towards an anglo-centric narrative, so to explore the history of Celtic nations is a welcome change.

Prof Paxton clearly enjoys her subject and that enthusiasm shines through. She has a nice balance of topics which are easily accessible and fascinating. Her explanation of technical aspects of languages was clear and easily understood.

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7 people found this helpful