Finding
good books on Druidry and Celtic studies is very difficult in most US bookstores. If you
enter the local Waldenbooks or Barnes & Noble you will likely find mainly books from
Llewellyn publications. You can always recognize these books by the crescent moon emblem
on the bindings. Most of these books are not well researched and are more for fun than
serious study. There are exceptions, however, including the two bookslisted here by Steve
Blamires. Most of the better books on the Druids and modern Druidry are written today by
British authors whose works are often hard to find in these stores. Fortunately, with the
advent of the Internet, you can order any book in print from such online bookstores like
Amazon.com.
Here's a list of some of the better books on
Druidry and two books to definitely avoid. The two books at the bottom by Douglas Monroe
are found in almost every bookstore and are very popular. However, they are very
offensive. Be warned. Now on with the good books!
Recommended Books
Berresford Ellis, Peter The Druids
ISBN: 0-80284-158-9
The best historical book available on the ancient Druids. A must read
for anyone wanting to research what the Druids were really like back then.
Blamires, Steve Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green
World ISBN: 1-56718-069-8
Fascinating book with sections on the major Celtic Gods and Goddesses.
My favorite section, however, is the end of the book which focuses on the 4 Celtic fire
festivals. Mr. Blamires details very elaborate rituals for each of these with extensive
histories of each festival. Excellent! Can't believe it is a Llewellyn book! Even ADF
recommends it.
Blamires, Steve Celtic Tree Mysteries, Secrets of
the Ogham
ISBN: 1-56718-070-1
Interesting book on the trees of the Ogham. Similar to the Celtic Tree
Oracle, but more detailed on each specific tree. Enjoyable reference tool.
Carr-Gomm, Philip & Stephanie Druid Animal
Oracle
ISBN: 0-67150-300-6
The Druid Animal Oracle is a powerful card system
based on the animal lore of the Celts. The cards are oversized to better exhibit the
beautiful and symbol-laden images by Bill Worthington. An excellent tool for meditation,
too. The hardbound book is also full of animal lore.
Carr-Gomm, Philip Elements of the Druid Tradition
ISBN: 1-86204-031-1
Short, quick and easy introduction into the Druids and the modern
version of the religion. Excellent book for beginners and as a quick reference tool. It is
very much written in the OBOD sense of Druidry.
Carr-Gomm, Philip The Druid Way
ISBN: 1-85230-365-4
My personal favorite book! An absolute must
for anyone interested in Druidry. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Not a how-to
book at all. It is the documentation of a spiritual journey. If you want to know how
Druidry can impact your life today, this is the book. Highly moving!
Carr-Gomm, Philip (editor)The Druid Renaissance
ISBN: 1-85538-480-9
Interesting digest of many articles on modern Druidry. All major topics
are covered by the top people in field. Up-to-date book about being a Druid in the 1990's.
Very good reading!
Evert Hopman, Ellen A Druid’s Herbal for
the Sacred Earth Year ISBN: 0-89281-501-9
Fascinating resource for anyone interesting in herbal lore. Not only
does Evert Hopman go into medical uses of the herbs, she also looks into each herb's
magical properties. Also includes a brief introduction to Druidry as a whole.
Matthews, Caitlin Celtic Book of the Dead
ISBN: 0-312-07241-4
Based on the ancient, epic poem, The Voyage of
Maelduin, this card set takes its users on journeys into the Irish Otherworld and
back. This set can be used for divination and also shamanic journeying. Even without the
cards, the book is a fascinating look at ancient views of the Otherworld. I was mesmerized
by it. Well worth a look.
Matthews, Caitlin Elements of the Celtic Tradition
ISBN: 1-86204-028-1
Short, precise introduction to the Celtic belief system, including the
Celtic pantheon. A perfect beginner book when paired with Elements of the Druid
Tradition by Philip Carr-Gomm. A good, fast read.
Matthews, John (editor) The Bardic Source Book
ISBN: 0-71372-664-4
Matthews, John (editor) The Druid Source Book
ISBN: 0-71372-710-1
Excellent compilation of the available texts on the Druids from Roman
times on through the centuries. Sometimes dry, but worth the effort!
Nichols, Ross The Book of Druidry
ISBN: 1-85538-167-2
This book was published after Ross Nichol's death,
being pieced together from his notes by Philip Carr-Gomm and John Matthews. Nichols was
the founder of OBOD and this book is an interesting look into his views. Enlightening, but
sometimes difficult to understand.
Piggott, Stuart The Druids
ISBN: 0-50027-363-4
An excellent historical review of the ancient druids. It used to be the
best available, but Peter Berresford-Ellis' book by the same title has now eclipsed it.
Mr. Piggott's dislike of the Druids comes through in the writing. Still good, historical
information.
Stewart, R.J. Celtic Gods, Celtic Goddesses
ISBN: 0-71372-113-8
A nice compendium of the Celtic pantheon by a respected writer. Well
researched and worth your time.
Books to Avoid
Monroe, Douglas The 21 Lessons of Merlyn
ISBN: 0-87542-496-1
This book is probably the most popular book out today on Druidry.
Unfortunately, this is due to the fact it is usually the only book on the shelf in the
bookstore! In my opinion, and many others, it is highly sexist and racist and his
fascination with blond, blue-eyed little boys is more than disturbing. Avoid like the
plague!
Monroe, Douglas The Lost Books of Merlyn
ISBN: 1-56718-471-5
The recent sequal to 21 Lessons of Merlyn. I have heard it is equally
offensive. I will not read it however, having wasted enough money on Monroe's books. More
rubbish. |
