The Celts: Search for a Civilisation
This book sets out to cover a huge amount of ground, both literally and figuratively. Roberts describes a wide swathe of Celtic history, chronologically and geographically. She also uses a broad range of evidence from written historical sources, archaeology, linguistics and genetics. She assumes little prior knowledge in the reader and provides an introduction to a fundamental question: who were the Celts? And is it right to talk of one ‘people’ at all? If so, where did the culture begin, and how did it spread? How does this all relate to modern ‘Celtic’ nations?
Robert’s style is accessible and enthusiastic, and her evident fascination with the subject shines through. Some will enjoy her reflections on her personal experiences while writing the book (accounts of visits to museums, ancient sites, etc.) although others may find the switch between the 21st century and prehistory disorientating. She also occasionally strays deep into ‘story-telling’ mode, which is unexpected in a non-fiction account, although both of these traits may come from the book’s association with the BBC television series (which Roberts co-presented with Neil Oliver). Overall, however, it is an enjoyable and fascinating account of a period and people who are often shrouded in mystery.
