Mysteries of the Druids

by William Winwood Reade

The Veil of Isis, Or, Mysteries of The Druids is a fascinating and absorbing book that offers fresh and stimulating insights. W. Winwood Reade's impressive work is a significant contribution to the reconstruction of Celtic history; a readable, balanced and valuable history and a landmark in the neglected terrain of the ancient Druids.

This splendid study masterfully reconstructs the great history, myths and theology of the ancient Druids and illuminates the early religions that spawned them. The book begins with the ancient tales of Osiris and Isis, and what follows is pure enchantment as you enter the long-suppressed mysteries of the Druids.

Through careful and thorough exploration of the rich remnants and writings of Britain's ancient people, Reade provides a startling account of these political and religious rites forever surrounded by aura and fantasy. Translating mythic and mystical experience into elegant, poetic language, Reade reconstructs the development and eventual decline of this secret society.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Religion, Magick, Folklore, Paganism, Mythology

254 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

About the author

William Winwood Reade (26 December 1838 – 24 April 1875) was a British historian, explorer, and philosopher. His two best-known books, The Martyrdom of Man (1872) and The Outcast (1875), were included in the Thinker's Library.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Aurore Persy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seems like the author only wrote this book as an excuse to be able to expose his views on what corrupts/corrupted Christianity (as it would have Druidism or other early religions)… There is some valuable information about Druids and other early religions or beliefs but it’s clearly obscured by the author’s strong bias.

[Aaron Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book. I feel at times that he is reaching in some of his claims concerning the Druids but it doesn't detract much from the reading. I simply made notations in the margin where I knew information was incorrect. Some of his bible verses he quotes I found somewhat elaborated on, one in particular one from Ezekiel 9:4-6 he states a tau was marked on the forehead where the bible only states a mark was made. I am curious where he gets this unless perhaps from a Jewish legend perhaps Ginzberg? As far as the Phoenicians spreading their religion all the way to Britain I think there is that possibility, it would of been interesting to see how he would of fleshed that out a little more if his focus wasn't mainly on the Druids, let alone his mentioning of the Scythians settling in Britain and then silence. His analysis of the Catholic incorporation of pagan rituals and holidays is of course fairly well attested to and the folklore is always very interesting to read on because between his day and ours one must think how much of it has died out. A good book overall despite its minor problems.

[Chiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

...they worshipped only the sun, the moon and the stars - and not as Gods but as visions of that Divine Essence, which alone ruled and pervaded the earth, the sky and the sea.
[...]
Men multiplied God into a thousand names, and created Him always in their own image.
[...]
The Druids deemed it impious to enclose within a house that God, whose shrine was the universe.

I found this book quite interesting.
It does not try to assert some kind of Truth, it basically works on connections and comparisons. The most curious thing of all: though it is not a secret that all ancient religions have the same roots, I had not actually realized that these same roots were Sun, Moon, Sky, etc.
At first, the feeling was pure, innocent: nobody thought to idolize the Nature. It was the religions that came later, which said and taught so, condemning all forms of respect and trust to the earth as evil.

[Lisa James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This interesting book is one that both fascinates & disturbs, as I'm still not entirely sure if this was written to mock religion by drawing comparisons between the Pagan backgrounds of Christianity, or to support the Church by making fun of the Pagan backgrounds. Being Pagan, I picked it up thinking it was going to be more mystery & magic. That's not what it is. All in all, it was thought provoking.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quirky collection of folklore, rumor, assertion, and polemic about Druidism, Catholicism, Freemasonry, and ancient religion. Unreliable, but colorful and fascinating.

[Katrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. It's evident that winwood researched terribly much for this. He visited countries, regions, towns, to hear stories and search for remnants of druidic lore. He must have consulted a crazy amount of books, for he finds examples from allover the world. I'm fascinated by druids, I did a diploma course on druidism and paganism and I was so lucky to travel myself to the stronghold of druidism, Anglesey in Wales, many times. This book was very enjoyable and a great collection of information. Sometimes winwood ventured too much into Christian traditions, I wasn't interested in details, but other than that I absolutely recommend this for any interested reader.

[Eleanor! · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not recommended as a source for any sort of reliable information. The author is explicit & unapologetic about his biases, & seems more invested in proving them than providing historical fact. Interesting more than anything for the author’s absurd logic & the mental-gymnastics of his conclusions, but heavily based in Christian exceptionalism, racism, pseudo-history, & pseudo-linguistics. Clear in being written during the mid-19th century.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Nothing is new under the sun, and all monotheistic religions come from Pagan worship, including Freemasonry.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new here, most of this has been covered in other books I have read.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the way this was written and found it useful as a writing tool. skimmed the bits where he claimed that the Catholic church is basically a bunch of pagans. at this end of history it feels like a bit of a reach.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cute...