Scant records remain of the ancient Celtic religion; beyond some 11th- and 12th-century written material from the Irish Celts and the great Welsh document Mabinongion. This classic study by a distinguished scholar; first published in 1911; builds not only upon the valuable hints supplied by the surviving texts but also upon the still-extant folk customs derived from the rituals of the old cults. A masterly and extremely readable survey; it offers a reconstruction of the essentials of Celtic paganism. The Celt is portrayed as a seeker after God who links himself by strong ties to the unseen; eagerly attempting to conquer the unknown by religious rite and magic art. The earliest aspect of Celtic religion lies in the culture of nature spirits and of life manifested in nature; and this book offers fascinating glimpses into primitive forms of worship; depicting Celtic rites centered on rivers and wells; trees and plants; and animals. The Druids maintained an optimistic view of the afterlife; and the author presents the subject from the comparative point of view; drawing upon evidence from Celtic burial mounds to elaborate upon ancient beliefs and customs related to the culture of the dead; including rites of rebirth and transmigration.
#1736325 in Books 2000-03-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.00 x 6.00l; .76 #File Name: 047206715X304 pages
Review
4 of 7 people found the following review helpful. An excellent introduction to `Mother India'By Anand VelayudhanImmediately after the publication of Mayo's book in 1927; a number of books were written by Indians as a reply to Mayo's scurrilous work; `Mother India'. Mrinalini Sinha's introduction is written from research standpoint where she tracing back in history and explaining the backdrop of Mayo's work. She also studies both the positive and negative impact the book had on colonial India. This book gives lot of additional information and references to one who is looking for a detailed study of the social issues of colonial India; customs and practices of Hindus; sources and reliability of the data that Mayo used in her book. Also; additional comments have been given at the bottom of pages for Mayo's claims; wherever possible.In tracing back Mayo's career; however; one cannot see her anti-third world sentiments. She had been an average journalist and her life before or after the publication of `Mother India' does not show her antipathy or affinity towards third world countries. This leads one to believe that her agenda was enforced by external sources; namely political.One would not wonder if this book has been used by the United States government as an introductory book on India until 70s especially when considering America's intolerance and knowledge on the east!Sinha's introduction and comments are invaluable source of information for scholars; historians and even politicians alike. This book does not contain the full text of Mayo's `Mother India' (don't know why the book is published this way; may be with a business mind); for which one has to read one of the available editions of Mayo's original publication.2 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Mother India By Katherine MayoBy Raymond E. Gay Sr.Mother India Is A Book We Tried To Find On Audio Books; Because My Wife Is Losing Her Eyesight And Has To Read It With A Jewelers Loop. It must be a good book because Has It; and EVERYONE knows .com is the BEST place to go. She wont let me read it until she has finished! Her mom and her grandma both read the book. .com was the ONLY bookstore to have Mother India Available for sale. Raymond E. And Maryann R. GayPre-Paid Legal Service Inc Independent Directors [...]5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating readBy qualquanHaving been born in India I can vouch for the accuracy of the description regards the Untouchables and the caste system.Whatever the personal views of the author she is reporting facts on the ground as existed in 1927 and to a considerable extent exist today.
