This impressive and fully illustrated volume presents a comprehensive narrative history of the Celtic world from c. 1000 BC to the present day. The Celts tells the story of the birth, death and rebirth of one of the most important peoples of European history.

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<UL><LI>The first major book to take the story of the Celts right up to the present – most other books deal only with ancient Celts. </LI><LI>Tells the story the survival of one of the most important peoples of European history – from bronze age to the wilder shores of modern Celtomania, neo-Druids and New Age spirituality. </LI><LI>Geographically very wide-ranging - covers continental Europe, Britain and Ireland and the present day Celtic global diaspora – the Americas, Australasia, England and South Africa. </LI><LI>Hugely controversial topic - book address the archaeology versus national mythology debate and gives a rare balanced account of the issues. </LI><LI>Brilliantly illustrated – the book is engrossing to look at as well as to read.</LI></UL>

Tracing the mysterious Celts from their dark origins to the present, John Hayward paints a brilliantly evocative picture of the birth, death and rebirth of one of the most important peoples of European history. He explores their beliefs, cultures and arts as well as their warring and expansion.A resurgence of Celtic identity, particularly in Britain and Europe, has revitalized interest in Celtic history. At the same time, developments in genetics and archaeology have led to it becoming an arena of controversy. John Hayward explores the changing identity of Europe's Celtic speaking peoples through history, both as they saw themselves and as others saw them. Covering continental Europe, Britain and Ireland, and the present day Celtic global diaspora, this is a vibrant and meticulously researched account. </P>John Haywood is a freelance historical writer. His many books include The Vikings, Historical Atlas of the Celtic World and Dark Age Naval Power.