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Celtic literature -- History and criticism Books
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Magnus Maclean
The literature of the Celts
"The literature of the Celts" by Magnus Maclean is a scholarly survey of Celtic literary history written in the early 20th century. It introduces general readers to the origins, manuscripts, myths, saints, and revivals of Celtic writing, from Ogam stones and early Gaelic-Latin texts through monastic learning to saga cycles and their European influence. The work maps key sources, periods, and scholars, arguing for the richness and enduring significance of the Celtic tradition. The opening of this study sets out the surge of modern interest in Celtic studies, citing Continental scholarship, Kuno Meyer’s optimism, and Yeats’s hopes for Celtic legend, before explaining the book’s aim as a concise, popular guide distilled from university lectures. It then sketches, in Chapter I, the historical backdrop of the Celts in Europe, their migrations and conquests, the linguistic split between Gadelic (Q) and Brittonic (P) branches, classical testimony from Greek and Roman writers, and the eventual literary awakening marked by Ogam inscriptions, the adoption of the Roman script, and early monastic texts; it also notes that the earliest sustained Gaelic appears in glosses and marginalia on the Continent, and situates Celtic within the Aryan language family. Chapter II focuses on St. Patrick as the first clearly identifiable Celtic writer, recounting the reliable sources on his life, his captivity and call, and summarizing his surviving works—the Latin “Confession” and “Epistle to Coroticus,” and the Gaelic lorica known as the “Deer’s Cry”—while acknowledging uncertain dates and later legendary dialogues. The start of Chapter III introduces St. Columba as Scotland’s earliest man of letters, a scholar-poet whose Iona community kindled a lasting literary and religious renaissance.
Matthew Arnold
Celtic Literature
"The Study of Celtic Literature" by Matthew Arnold is a collection of lectures on the understanding and appreciation of Celtic literary heritage, likely written in the late 19th century. The text serves as an exploration of Celtic literature's richness and complexity, addressing how these works can resonate with broader cultural and literary discussions. Arnold aims to highlight the importance of understanding the Celtic perspective and contributions to literature, emphasizing their cultural significance despite challenges they face from dominant narratives. At the start of the book, Arnold discusses his experiences and reflections during visits to Wales, particularly participating in an Eisteddfod—an assembly of Welsh bards and poets. He reflects on the contrasting Celtic landscape and culture with the encroaching Saxon influence, expressing a deep admiration for the poetic traditions and historical roots of the Celtic peoples. Arnold's introduction sets the stage for a critical yet appreciative examination of Celtic literary works, steering the reader towards an understanding of their importance not only within the context of Wales or Ireland but also regarding their contributions to a shared literary heritage.
James Cruikshank Roger
Celtic MSS. in relation to the Macpherson fraud With a review of Professor Freeman's criticism of [P.B. Du Chaillu's] "The Viking Age," by the author of "Celticism a myth"
"Celtic MSS. in relation to the Macpherson fraud" by James Cruikshank Roger is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book critically examines claims regarding the authenticity of the Celtic manuscripts purportedly translated by James Macpherson, arguing that they may be forgeries. The central topic revolves around the alleged misrepresentation of Scottish Celtic culture and literature. In this work, Roger presents a comprehensive critique of Macpherson’s translations, asserting that the supposed Gaelic manuscripts do not exist and casting doubt on the evidence provided by Celtic scholars like Professor Mackinnon. He explores the implications of such claims on the understanding of Scotland's cultural heritage, suggesting that much attributed to Celtic origin may actually have Scandinavian influences. By referencing prominent figures like Dr. Johnson and J. M. Kemble, Roger builds a case against the credibility of Macpherson's work and highlights the complexities of establishing a clear historical narrative about Scotland's past and its linguistic roots.
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