2019-10-29
Another interesting Very Short Introduction, as I work through the university library catalogue. This time, leading archaeologist Sir Barry Cunliffe provides a general overview of his specialism of Celtic prehistory.
Considering how much furore there has been about trying to redefine the Celts, Cunliffe manages to take a solid middle ground by exploring many different areas, such as classical writings, archaeology, linguistics, and folk cultures. The one glaring omission is genetic studies, but hopefully a revised version will include that.
As a general overview it works well, though some sweeping historical statements grated, simply because I’ve already read more deeply in those areas, though a casual reader is unlikely to notice.
Overall, another strong book from the Oxford Very Short Introductions series.
Rating: 4/5