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The Celtic World

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The Celtic World

By: The Great Courses
Narrated by: Professor Jennifer Paxton PhD
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About this listen

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
Europe Witty Mythology Ancient History Middle Ages Celtic Mythology
All stars
Most relevant
This is an excellent course, covering the history and cultures of the "Celtic world" from earliest times to the almost-present. While sympathetic in its approach, and showing the deep knowledge of the presenter, it also debunks a lot of the pop-history mythology about who the Celts were, where they came from, even whether there really were those invasions by waves of culturally homogeneous tribesmen. If it does dispose of some cherished notions, it replaces them with scenarios that are just as fascinating. I highly recommend this course to those interested in history and especially in learning about why some parts of these islands are the way they are.

An excellent (and up-to-date) overview

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Interesting and informative, will also revisit at a later date for reference. We'll structured and engaging.

Enntertaining

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Fantastic series of lectures given by an outstanding professor who takes you into The Celtic World

Standing ovation deserved

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

Very good reaf

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

Essential Reading!

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