I realized that while I did a post on resources for the Irish language and another on online resources for Irish mythology I hadn't actually done a recommended reading list. I'm planning at some point to actually do a more comprehensive one but I decided to do a short one for now.
History:
Europe Between the Oceans: 9000 BC – AD 1000 by Barry Cunliffe: this is a great introduction to the history of Europe. Just be aware that Cunliffe sneaks in his "Celtic from the West" hypothesis. It is not very obvious but it is there.
Facing the Ocean: The Atlantic and Its Peoples, 8000 BC – AD 1500 by Barry Cunliffe: another great introduction from Cunliffe this time about the Atlantic zone. This book is where he first discusses his "Celtic from the West" hypothesis, but you'll miss it if you blink.
Historical Atlas of the Celtic World by John Haywood and Barry Cunliffe: keep this or a more recent edition very close, you never know when you might need it.
The Atlantic Iron Age by Jon Henderson: The scope of study for this book is the Late Bronze Age (1200 – 600 BCE) to the end of the first millennium BCE with an emphasis on the seventh century BCE to the end of the first millennium BCE. The areas covered are Armorica, south-west England, Wales, Ireland, and Atlantic Scotland. Also a passing reference to south-western France and western Iberia.
Pagan Celtic Ireland by Barry Raftery
Pre-Christian Ireland: From the First Settlers to the Early Celts by Peter Harbison
The Origin of the Irish by J.P. Mallory: One of the best books I've read so far on the Origins of the Irish.
Culture:
Cattle Lords and Clansmen: Social Structure of Early Ireland by Nerys Thomas Paterson.
Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia (Five Volume Set) by John Koch [Expensive but worth having]
Mythology:
Myths and Legends of the Celts by James MacKillop
The Lore of Ireland: An Encyclopedia of Myth, Legend and Romance by Dáithí Ó hÓgáin
History:
Europe Between the Oceans: 9000 BC – AD 1000 by Barry Cunliffe: this is a great introduction to the history of Europe. Just be aware that Cunliffe sneaks in his "Celtic from the West" hypothesis. It is not very obvious but it is there.
Facing the Ocean: The Atlantic and Its Peoples, 8000 BC – AD 1500 by Barry Cunliffe: another great introduction from Cunliffe this time about the Atlantic zone. This book is where he first discusses his "Celtic from the West" hypothesis, but you'll miss it if you blink.
Historical Atlas of the Celtic World by John Haywood and Barry Cunliffe: keep this or a more recent edition very close, you never know when you might need it.
The Atlantic Iron Age by Jon Henderson: The scope of study for this book is the Late Bronze Age (1200 – 600 BCE) to the end of the first millennium BCE with an emphasis on the seventh century BCE to the end of the first millennium BCE. The areas covered are Armorica, south-west England, Wales, Ireland, and Atlantic Scotland. Also a passing reference to south-western France and western Iberia.
Pagan Celtic Ireland by Barry Raftery
Pre-Christian Ireland: From the First Settlers to the Early Celts by Peter Harbison
The Origin of the Irish by J.P. Mallory: One of the best books I've read so far on the Origins of the Irish.
Culture:
Cattle Lords and Clansmen: Social Structure of Early Ireland by Nerys Thomas Paterson.
Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia (Five Volume Set) by John Koch [Expensive but worth having]
Mythology:
Myths and Legends of the Celts by James MacKillop
The Lore of Ireland: An Encyclopedia of Myth, Legend and Romance by Dáithí Ó hÓgáin
