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REVIEW BY JODY JOY
Many books have been written about the ancient Celts, whether from the standpoint of a shared identity across a connected Europe, or a more sceptical perspective, arguing for regional diversity and more complicated histories. This book takes a different approach, focusing instead on how, since the Renaissance, the Celts have inspired various scholars and thinkers, as well as popular and political movements.
The book is divided into three parts, addressing respectively: the ancient Celts in early modern Europe, how ideas on race in the 18th and 19th centuries impacted on perceptions of the Celts, and the rise of pan-Celtic identities in the 19th century and beyond. In the preface, Stewart explains how the book took nearly a decade to write. This shows in the depth of his scholarship and his familiarity with the subject, exemplified by his engaging prose. At nearly 400 pages of text with additional notes and a comprehensive bibliography, this is not a slim volume, but it is still accessible. Its chronological structure and the conclusions at the end of each chapter also make it a useful reference work.
The more time I spent reading this book, the more I appreciated the balanced and measured way Stewart presents his research. This deliberate style is particularly important when he tackles the various debates and controversies that have arisen over the years, such as James Macpherson’s publication of The Poems of Ossian in the early 1760s. Stewart is also especially good at sketching people’s characters, showing how different motivations have shaped history and different trajectories of thought. A good example is the section on Celtic Art, where he highlights the role of Continental scholars in the early development of theories about Celtic Art, a history and cast of characters whom anglophone researchers have largely ignored.
This is a scholarly and impressive book. I found the presentation of the unfolding history fascinating, particularly as an archaeologist less familiar with this history. I learned many new things as well. Towards the end of the book, the author returns to interpretations of the ancient Celts. I found myself wanting more here. Perhaps an opportunity for a follow-up book?
The Celts: a modern history
Ian Stewart
Princeton University Press, £35
ISBN 978-0691222516
