Drinking from the Sacred Well: Personal Voyages of Discovery With the Celtic Saints

by John Matthews

A world-renowned Celtic scholar and teacher presents a rich tapestry of heroic stories from the lives of 12 Celtic saints. This collection embodies the same energy, spirit, and appeal as Joseph Campbell's "Myths to Live By".

Genres: Nonfiction

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

John Matthews is an historian, folklorist and author. He has been a full time writer since 1980 and has produced over ninety books on the Arthurian Legends and Grail Studies, as well as short stories and a volume of poetry. He has devoted much of the past thirty years to the study of Arthurian Traditions and myth in general. His best known and most widely read works are ‘Pirates’ (Carlton/Atheneum), No 1 children’s book on the New York Times Review best-seller list for 22 weeks in 2006, ‘The Grail, Quest for Eternal Life’ (Thames & Hudson, 1981) ‘The Encyclopaedia of Celtic Wisdom’ (Element, 1994) and ‘The Winter Solstice’ (Quest Books, 1999) which won the Benjamin Franklin Award for that year. His book ‘Celtic Warrior Chiefs’ was a New York Public Library recommended title for young people.

Reviews

[Spider Goddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such vivid images presented in the telling of the lives of Saints, regardless of the culture from which they came. However, with the Celtic saints, there is not the gruesomeness that comes along with most Christian saints. I loved reading about them, and the way that the author related their lives to present day and bringing a bit of their magick into our own lives. I will definitely reread this book. The images conjured up are beautiful and inspire me to art!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed re-reading this after 20+ years. The stories of the Celtic saints show a blending of Druidism and Christianity. This is the third book about Celtic spirituality and folklore I've read this year and I've enjoyed all three books. But, I am biased because some of my great grandparents immigrated from Ireland and my Irish heart is drawn to these ancient stories. Some of the stories are pretty far fetched, but still point to some common truths that unite people across time and place.

[Dáithí's · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the Celtic Saints. Author is very easy to get comfortable with, and eases the reader into the subject matter with a tender touch. This book will spark an interest into further research.

[Amy Paget · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book of short vignettes. It's fun to read the folktales of these Celtic Saints and see how the pagan and the Christian intertwine.