Chronicles of the Celts

by Iain Zaczek

Book Overview

Savor an epic world of ancient warriors, bards and druids, dragons, tyrants, and sorcerers. These marvelous tales reveal the eternal power and spirit of the Celtic universe.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806999497
• ISBN13: 9780806999494
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Sterling Publishing (NY)
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.7" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

A Fabulous Introduction to Celtic Legends

If you're a college-level reader who wants to sample Celtic lore, you will want to read Iain Zaczek's intriguing collection of legends. Besides introducing King Arthur and some of the better-known Irish characters, "Chronicles" also features lesser-known legends, such as the "City of Ys" tale, a captivating story of the wages of sin. Zaczek has done a good job of translating most of the stories to make them not only interesting but exciting -- even suspenseful for first-time readers. The text of the legends is tastefully intertwined with photographs and short lucid essays and notes on historical elements which have (or may have) connections to the stories. The stories are good -- not only good plots, but good myths, full of symbolism and half-veiled spiritual messages -- and they intermesh well with the book's supplemental features. Also, "Chronicles" is geographically and chronologically balanced: some tales are from Ireland, others from Wales, etc., and some tales are pre-Christian; others are syncretized, etc. About the only thing wrong with this book is that it ends before you want it to.

celtic memories

I found the book fascinating in its choice of focus. Not only did it reflect what I had experienced myself on my trip to Ireland many years ago, but the sensitivity with which it wove the mystic and factual was impecible. From a reincarnational point of view - I had a chance to envision the lands I knew well in other times. The pictures reflect a diversity of icons and scenery - shrouded in mystery which tugs at memories. It was the most excellent gift I had received in a long time. Keep up the good work.

Nice book...

I'm a real obsessionist when it comes to Celtic stuff; I love Morgan Llywelyn's books and I will read almost any type of ARthurian fiction that is not overly rusty. This book caught my attention... The stories are retold rather nicely, but I have to admit the thing that really stimulates your mind in finding that there is page after page of magnificent pictures. I was somewhat disappointed at the lack of stories; it only includes THE ULSTER CYCLE, some Finn mac Cool stories, tales from Brittany and the Barzaz Breiz including Welsh stuff. Would have been sweeter if it were longer, and included more info, but don't be put down by my interpretation of the book. Buy it. You WILL NOT be set in a rage... (not like I was after reading the skimpiest Arthurian book ever, "King and Raven" at least.)