Druids in Britain

The ancient Druids of Britain, crushed by the Romans in the first century A.D., have left behind almost no reliable evidence. Historian Ronald Hutton's captivating book is the first to encompass two thousand years of Druid history and to explore the evolution of English, Scottish, and Welsh attitudes toward the forever ambiguous figures of the ancient Celtic world. Due to the lack of reliable evidence, succeeding British generations have been free to reimagine, reinterpret, and reinvent the Druids.

Druids have been remembered at different times as patriots, scientists, philosophers, or priests; sometimes portrayed as corrupt, bloodthirsty, or ignorant, they were also seen as fomenters of rebellion. Hutton charts how the Druids have been written in and out of history, archaeology, and the public consciousness for some 500 years, with particular focus on the romantic period, when Druids completely dominated notions of British prehistory.

Sparkling with legends and images, filled with new perspectives on ancient and modern times, this book is a fascinating cultural study of Druids as catalysts in British history. The Druids have been the subject of much speculation and reimagination throughout the centuries, as Hutton's work demonstrates. The lack of reliable evidence has allowed for a wide range of interpretations and representations of these ancient figures, from noble scholars to corrupt zealots.

Hutton's comprehensive approach examines the evolving perceptions of the Druids across different periods and regions of Britain, tracing how they have been written into and out of the historical record. The book's focus on the romantic era is particularly insightful, as this was a time when the Druids became deeply embedded in popular notions of British identity and prehistory.

By exploring the Druids as catalysts in British history, Hutton offers a nuanced and engaging study of how the past is continuously reinterpreted and reimagined to suit the concerns and preoccupations of the present. The book's blend of scholarly rigor and accessible storytelling makes it a captivating read for both academics and general audiences interested in the enduring legacy of these enigmatic figures.

Overall, Hutton's work represents a significant contribution to the understanding of the Druids and their place in the cultural and historical imagination of Britain. Its interdisciplinary approach and fresh perspectives provide a valuable addition to the ongoing scholarly discourse surrounding these ancient and intriguing figures.

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