Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions

by James Bonwick

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1894. ... IRISH GODS. SOME writers, from a jealous regard to the reputation of their ancestors, have been unwilling to acknowledge the idolatry of ancient Erin. They reject the testimony as to images, and decline to accept the record as to heathen deities. Yet it is surely a satisfaction to know that the Highest and Unseen was worshipped at all, though under rude and material symbolism, instead of being unknown and unfelt. If claiming to be, in some degree, at least, of Celtic heritage, the Irish may conceivably be esteemed of kindred faith with Celtic Gauls and Celtic Germans, whose divinities were recognized by the Romans, though called, from certain supposed similitudes, by more familiar Italian names. The Irish, from their geographical position, were a mixture of many peoples, forming a succession of human layers, so to speak, according to the number of the newcomers, and the period of local supremacy. The tendency of populations northward and westward, from wars or migrations, was to carry to Erin various races from the Continent of Europe, with their different customs and their gods, having more permanent influence than the visitation of their coasts by Oriental seamen. Thus we perceive, in fragmentary traditions and superstitions, the adoration of the Elements, and the fanciful embodiment of divine attributes in their phases and their apparent contradictions. In some way or other, the Islanders failed not to see, with Aristotle, that" the principle of life is in God." Yet J. S. Mill thought that religion may exist without belief in a God. In our investigations, we need bear in mind what the learned Professor Rhys asserts, that--" most of the myths of the modern Celts are to be found manipulated, so as to form the opening chapters of what has been usually regarded as the early history o...

Genres: Religion, Mythology, Ireland, History, Reference, Spirituality, Nonfiction

328 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1894

About the author

English-born Australian historical and educational writer

Reviews

[R.]

I was looking for a book on the religion of the Druids and I found this which I thought I'd try since it was free. It was terrible however. I couldn't finish it. I made it about 30% of the way through and it wasn't getting any better. It was written in the 1890's I believe and the entire thing is colored by Christian teachings and Christian philosophy. I don't think the writer could go more than a page without referencing Christianity. If you're looking for a free book then maybe give this a try, if you're looking for a good one then keep looking.

[John Peel]

This is a reproduction of a book from 1894 that attempts to survey what was then known of ancient Irish religion and druids. The writer is staggeringly credulous of the most ludicrous theories - for example, that druidism was actually Buddhism or that some of the lost tribes of Israel managed to find their way to Ireland and inspire folk legends. Well, you can't expect too much from a man who quotes Madame Blavatski as an authority. On top of that, it's also quite dull.

[Druid Daddy Nualláin]

Eh.

Might be a bad edition, but seems to skip around a lot. Short and with little organization. Didn't take long to read, and gave a few other clues and resources I'd like to follow-up on. So not a waste of time. Seriously, read in a broken up hour across the day.

[Christine Jeffords]

Could have been better organized, and I thought there were rather too many references to the findings of other authors. But a good overview of Druidism for people unfamiliar with it.

[Eli Adair]

I read about half of this book, and it was super interesting stuff but the writing killed it for me. I don’t think his style aged very well.

[Kim]

DNF too outdated and dry to read past for 50 pages.

[Bradley]

Unreadable

[cleodweldt grundkeit]

published first in 1894 this is a work of mainly antiquarian interest.

[brooke]

The book is obviously quite dated, but an interesting read overall.

[Jay Kovach]

Sources should be properly cited., March 5, 2011

I am trying to expand my knowledge on all things fae and magic and of legend and lore, specifically that originating in Gaelic thought mainly Welsh and Irish of my ancestory. I think I am well educated and fairly intelligent but I was often lost. If anyone reads this and has some helpful suggestion to my pursuits I welcome them. I must say though that unless you know much about this topic it is a hard to say much to the quality of the work especially without sources cited for verification.

[Jami]

Great! If you have any interest in the old religions this one is a must.