The World of the Druids (1997)

by Miranda J. Green

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In this authoritative account, Miranda Green unravels the truth about the Druids. Examining the archaeological evidence, Classical commentaries and early Welsh and Irish myths, she shows that the Druids were fully integrated into Celtic societyfulfilling varied and necessary roles, both secular and religious. The Roman writers are seen to reflect the double standards of an invading society: condemning as barbaric the public sacrifice of enemies by the Druids while accepting as civilized their own practice of slaughter for sport in the arena. Yet the Classical sources can be used to help reveal the real Druids. We learn of their multiple roles as judges, teachers, healers, magicians, philosophers, religious leaders and fomenters of rebellion.… (more)

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This book is very comprehensive in the historical documents by Greek philosophers and Roman authorities and the archaeology of the Druids and Celts. Certainly this is an eye-opener if you think Druids are adventurous sorcerers with nature empathy and Celts are the Irish of antiquity--an unfortunate stereotype that I, as a gamer, had fallen into. Miranda Green addresses a little bit of all topics and supports her composition with a myriad of quotes from Pliny the Elder, Cicero, Julius Caesar, Strabo and more, meanwhile half of the layout is possessed by ink art work and selected photos of archaeological finds. To the Druidic theme of circles connecting different lives, Green started with antiquity and concluded with modern Druids who wish to no revive the ancient pagan religion but adapt it to the stage of evolution our society currently holds. (

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leah_markum | Oct 28, 2022 |

A lot of useful information, best with art, artifacts, and possible time lines for further study. (

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sszkutak | Sep 28, 2016 |

This is a comprehensive, copiously illustrated volume that is sufficiently academically rigorous for the well-informed layperson, but straightforward and sufficiently full of eye candy for the neophyte. Green covers what we actually know about the Druids (not a lot, really), their place in myth and legend, and the Neo-Pagan Druidic movement. (

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Crowyhead | Jul 25, 2008 |

What this book was lacking in continuity it made up for in subject selections and illustrations. The World of the Druids consists of many encyclopedia-like entries accompanied by illustrations and photography. It covers many topics from antiquity to the modern druidic movement. While I don't necessarily agree with some of the assumptions made, in all there is quite a bit of good information here presented in an interesting manner. While the book doesn't cover very much in depth, it provides a nice overview and a place to start.

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PhoenixTerran | Aug 9, 2007 |

This is a glossy book full of pretty pictures which also manages to cover everything known about Druids, from Pliny to the modern Keltoi. It focuses on archeology and primary sources, which means that unlike most books about Druidry, it's actually fact-based; and the later chapters on the modern Druid revivals are well-balanced and accurate. (

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melannen | Jan 7, 2006 |

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The world of the druids

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1997

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Ritual of oak and mistletoe

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In this authoritative account, Miranda Green unravels the truth about the Druids. Examining the archaeological evidence, Classical commentaries and early Welsh and Irish myths, she shows that the Druids were fully integrated into Celtic societyfulfilling varied and necessary roles, both secular and religious. The Roman writers are seen to reflect the double standards of an invading society: condemning as barbaric the public sacrifice of enemies by the Druids while accepting as civilized their own practice of slaughter for sport in the arena. Yet the Classical sources can be used to help reveal the real Druids. We learn of their multiple roles as judges, teachers, healers, magicians, philosophers, religious leaders and fomenters of rebellion.

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"Copiously illustrated well written, thoughtful, and thought-provoking."Library Journal

In this authoritative account, Miranda Green unravels the truth about the Druids. Examining the archaeological evidence, Classical commentaries, and early Welsh and Irish myths, she shows that the Druids were fully integrated into Celtic society and fulfilled varied and necessary roles. The Roman writers reflected the double standards of an invading society: condemning the public sacrifice of enemies by the Druids while accepting their own practice of slaughter for sport as civilized. Yet the Classical sources can be used to help reveal the real Druids, and we learn of their multiple roles as judges, teachers, healers, magicians, philosophers, religious leaders, and fomenters of rebellion.

This book traces the history of the Druids from their beginnings to their resurrection during the Renaissance. Complete with timeline and gazetteer, the book will appeal to all thosescholar, general reader, or New Age enthusiastwho are fascinated by the Druids and their world. 291 illustrations, 51 in color.

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