The Druids [antikvár]

Preface A FULL-LENGTH book Oil the Druids, involving as it would detailed studies in many disciplines, including those of prehistory, classical literature and the history of ideas, could hardly be written by one scholar. It was thought however that a short synoptic treatment of the varied source-material was worthwhile attempting and not impossible to achieve. I have offered such a survey here, and while keenly aware of its inadequacies hope that it may serve to explain the Druids to the general reader, and to present them in credible and understandable form. My indebtedness to others is great, and in part indicated in the bibliography. Two Celtic scholars have given me help and encouragement at every turn, Professor K. H. Jackson and Dr Anne Ross, and both have placed me further in their debt by reading the book in draft form and making invaluable critical comments. Dr A. M. Snodgrass has similarly read Chapter 3. In general the book owes much to conversations over the years with Professor R. J. C. Atkinson, Mr H. M. Colvin, Dr G. E. Daniel and Mr T. G. E.Powell. Specific acknowledgements of the sources of illustrations etc. are made on p. 178. The line illustrations have been prepared by Dr Morna Simpson. S.P.