インド・ヨーロッパ語族ケルト語派の民族、ケルト人は、独特の魅力を持つ一方で、長いこと憶測、誤解の対象となってきました。本書はその歴史や伝統を概観しながら、彼らにまつわる謎を考究します。「アイルランドの使途」聖パトリックや、ケルト神話に登場する半神半人のクー・フーリン、故事で知られるイケニ族の女王、ブーディカなど、ケルト文化を代表する人物も取り上げて論じます。
   

• A thought-provoking and entertaining new look at the Celts
• Author is an acknowledged expert in this field
• Uses up-to-the-minute evidence
• 'One of the most committed and gifted archaeological communicators, whose works are always a pleasure to read.' Dr Simon James, University of Leicester

  
Savage and bloodthirsty, or civilized and peaceable? The Celts have long been a subject of enormous fascination, speculation, and misunderstanding. From the ancient Romans to the present day, their real nature has been obscured by a tangled web of preconceived ideas and stereotypes. 
  
Barry Cunliffe seeks to reveal this fascinating people for the first time, using an impressive range of evidence, and exploring subjects such as trade, migration, and the evolution of Celtic traditions. Along the way, he exposes the way in which society's needs have shaped our visions of the Celts, and examines such colourful characters as St Patrick, Cú Chulainn, and Boudica.