Ward Rutherford (1) (1927–)

Attempts to cover an immense amount of material in an organized fashion but ends up being a bit overwhelming. Also takes as given connections between Celtic beliefs and shamanism that are not undisputed.

Fairly well researched for a brief overview, but not well written. In other words, it's too dense to serve as a good popularization, but not sophisticated enough to be really good academic work. I'd put it on par with an acceptable thesis in the field.

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THE DRUIDS AND THEIR HERITAGE

Ward Rutherford
ABOUT THE BOOK

As guardians of the laws and social
customs of Celtic Civilization, the Druids
codified the ideals upon which Celtic
society was based.

Druidic philosophy has been of the utmost
importance in shaping our Western ideals.
The virtuous warrior, the notion of the
benign non-authoritarian ruler, our basic
ideas of democracy, egalitarian society and
sexual equality, our ideals of romantic
love - all spring from Druidic religion.

Ward Rutherford has show more employed his
considerable gifts for writing clear fluent
narrative to elucidate the mysteries of the
Druids in the light of recent historical
research.

Human sacrifice, the Celtic Pantheon and
ideas of the supernatural, the Druidic
background to the Arthurian legends are
set in the social context in which the
Druids played the role of unifiers and
upholders of tradition. From this study
emerges an image of the Druids a
formulators of the highest values,
guardians, seers and sages, like Merlin in the
Arthurian legend, who continue to exercise
a powerful influence over us today
ABOUT THE AUTHOR.

Ward Rutherford is a broadcaster, novelist
and historian. His novels include The
Gallons Se, and Great Big Laugbing
Hannah. His historical writings include
The Russian Army in World War I ("not
to be neglected" TLS), The Fall of the
Philippines, The Untimely Silenee. show less