The Celtic World

By: The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Jennifer Paxton PhD

Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's 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

Incredibly informative and entertaining

I am part Scottish and have long been fascinated by the complexities of the ancient Celtic world, as well as the remnants of this ancient culture in the modern British Isles.

This Great Course Lecture series was incredibly illuminating. Beautifully treated by the professor, I can't recommend this enough if you have even a passing interest in the history of the British Isles and/or Celtic/Gaelic culture.

bretty gud, bros

Learned a bunch about Celts, and thier progenitors, the Gauls. The Celts are the Scots, Irish, Cornish, Welsh, Britons (of Brittany, in today's France), and the Galatians (yes, same as new testament book). Of course one cant learn about all these without learning a bit about the English too.
Listened to it twice.

Paxton provides great crack

this was a fun and absorbing history of the Celtic nations and their neighbors. language of course features heavily.

Great introduction to the "Celts."

This was a wonderful overview of what we know about the people we call the Celts and how they shaped modern France, Ireland, and the British Isles. I would love it if the Great Courses offered an update of a chapter or two every few years as we learn more!

Performance

In the first chapters it was very difficult to understand and listen to because the ends of the sentences were dropped. Loved the information and the performance got much better

Splendid Performance!

Excellent performance and well put together. This has not been a common experience over the course of my last few books.

Celtic history and culture presented clearly

Fascinating and informative Celtic culture clearly explained with enthusiasm. I enjoyed all twenty four lectures.

Excellent and engaging.

Clear, engaging, and comprehensive overview. Well done review for a curious beginner or academic.

Loved it!

There was so much information to take in and I can't wait to listen to it again.

Good overview of an understudied part of history.

This is an excellent. It gives understanding of the development of the discord that still exists in the British Isles. And a good history of all the invasions that shaped the people, cultures and languages.