Author: Charles Squire
First Edition: 1905
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Description
Charles Squire’s seminal work offers an engaging introduction to the myths and legends that form the backbone of Celtic culture. This book provides readers with a clear understanding of the pantheon of deities, mythical creatures, and epic tales that have shaped Celtic spirituality. With rich storytelling and historical context, it serves as an excellent primer for understanding how these ancient narratives influence modern practices. Squire’s detailed accounts and interpretations make this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology and its enduring legacy.
Delve into the myths and legends of Celtic folklore in this classic text, written by Arthurian expert Charles Squire. From King Arthur to Gaelic gods, this authoritative study explores the characters found in Celtic myth and epic poetry. These tales are not only extensively researched but beautiful and moving, with sections on Celtic paganism, druidism, and the giants of ancient Briton. The gods are honored in the animated telling of their stories and only give way to heroes such as Cuchulain, Blodeuweek, Branwen, and Finn.
Tales include:
Finn and the Fenians
The Mythological "Coming of Arthur"
The Rise of the Sun-God
The War with the Giants
The Gaelic Argonauts
Drawing on the early writings of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in Celtic culture and how its beliefs and traditions have survived in modern-day Britain.
Where to Find This Work
Celtic Myth and Legend
Credit: Internet Archive / Harold B. Lee Library (BYU)
Summary: This is a complete digital scan of the 1910 edition published by The Gresham Publishing Company, London . It preserves the full text, original pagination, and the historical running title Mythology of the British Islands . The scan includes Squire’s bibliography (pp. 419–424), index, and all original chapter structures.
The Internet Archive version is fully readable online and downloadable in multiple formats (PDF, EPUB, JP2, etc.) . This edition represents the complete, unabridged public domain text and is ideal for readers seeking the original 1905/1910 scholarly presentation.
Publication Date: 1910
Celtic Myth and Legend
Summary: This modern paperback edition (Sirius / Arcturus, 2021) is an abridged version of Squire’s work, adapted for contemporary readers. It condenses the original 1905/1910 material into a streamlined 304‑page narrative, focusing on major mythic cycles such as Finn and the Fenians, Arthurian origins, the Sun‑God, and the War with the Giants .
The publisher frames it as an accessible introduction to Celtic myth, drawing on Irish, Scottish, and Welsh sources. While it retains Squire’s storytelling, it omits some of the heavier comparative scholarship and structural complexity of the original. This edition is ideal for casual readers or newcomers to Celtic mythology.
Book Information:
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