Book: The Druid Renaissance

[Pandoras]

What are your thoughts on The Druid Renaissance: the Voice of Druidry Today by Philip Carr-Gomm?

I'm not Druid nor am I interested in heading down that path, but I am interested in learning about it and heard this was a good, comprehensive introduction. What do you think? Do you recommend anything in addition to or instead of?

Thanks.

[Phi]

Sorry, I haven't read that one. I have been reading a lot by Peter Beresford Ellis. It is more about the history than about new pathways of Druidry though, so it may not be what you are looking for.

[Pandoras]

I'm interested in history too. I'll jot that author down. Thanks.

[Myrddyn Emrys]

Haven't read it, but do know of his work with Ross Nichols, so should have some good info in it.

[Maggie]

What are your thoughts on The Druid Renaissance: the Voice of Druidry Today by Philip Carr-Gomm?

I'm not Druid nor am I interested in heading down that path, but I am interested in learning about it and heard this was a good, comprehensive introduction. What do you think? Do you recommend anything in addition to or instead of?

Thanks.

I have this book, the subtitle is the Voice of Druidry Today. As a general overview of the different "flavors" around, it's very good. Each section has contributions from different authors, including Isaac Bonewits, by the way. There is also a Resource Guide at the end for further reading and research.

Maggie

[Seren_]

I have this book under the title The Rebirth of Druidry: Ancient Earth Wisdom for Today. It's a collection of essays by various well respected authors, both from an academic and druid perspective - Ronald Hutton, Graham Harvey, Erynn Rowan Laurie, Isaac Bonewits and Philip Shallcrass for example. So it will give you an idea of what it's about, from a variety of perspectives (from druids and academics from all over the world), but it's not necessarily a book that explains what druids do, and how they go about it etc in a straightforward manner.

It's meant to be a more academic approach (with a healthy dose of inspirational stuff too) to the subject, I think, which may suit some people looking for that kind of introduction, but not those looking for something that's more of a walk-through guide or something similar to a Book of Shadows, which they can then go off and perform rituals from. As far as the content goes, you can consider it reliable.

Some of the writers do tend to lump "Pagans, Wiccans and Druids" together when they talk generally about the pagan community, portraying them as all practising on a similar/identical basis etc (like the Wheel of the Year), which has been typical of academia until recently, but is outdated. Certainly it's a must have if you're a hoarder (like me) or interested in studying all different kinds of pagan communities (like me).

[blackroseivy]

Thre is a really good book that attempts to blast myths & wrong data: "The Druids" by Peter Beresford Ellis. This one is very thorough & comprehensive; I am only halfway through it, but I recommend it for those wishing to study Druidic history.

[Dave the Druid]

Despite Philip Carr-Gomm being the head of OBOD it is a good read. NO disrespect here just a different opinion!

Danubhe's "The Druids" by Peter Beresford Ellis is an absolute cracker of a book! Good scholarly work.

[Sonic Seamus]

Despite Philip Carr-Gomm being the head of OBOD it is a good read. NO disrespect here just a different opinion!

Danubhe's "The Druids" by Peter Beresford Ellis is an absolute cracker of a book! Good scholarly work.

Agreed! I loved it so much I think I might read it again taking notes this time.