Books

I am completely redoing this page because the way I had it was long boring and impossible to find anything of value. I will give personal summeries on any books I have read and be sure to tell you what whoever recomended the books I haven't read has said. When ever possible I will provide a direct link so you are abale to order any of these books. Right now they go through Amazon.com but I may soon add Barnes and Nobel or other book store if Amazon doesn't have all of them. Click on a tital or image to order that book.

FICTION

_{click on image to order}Red Branch by Morgan Llywelyn
This is one of the best books I have read about Celtic Ireland. It is the story of Cuchulain, an ancient hero. He was said to be born of the god Lugh. This story follows Cuchulain from his mysterious birth to his warriors death. It is also the story of Red Branch, King Ulster, and Deirdre, the woman so beautiful she almost destroyed a kingdom.
"Powerful . . . A lusty, poetic and legendary world based on Ireland's mythical warrior-hero Cuchulain." The New York Times Book Review In a land ruled by war and love and strange enchantments, Cuchulain -- torn between gentleness and violence, haunted by the croakings of a sinister raven -- fights for his honor and his homeland and discovers too late the trap that the gods have set for him in the fatal beauty of Deirdre and the brutal jealousy of King Conor.
Other books by Morgan Llywelyn: Fin Mac Cool; Bard: The Odyssey of the Irish; Pride of Lions; Druids

_{click on image to order}Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradly
THis is the story of King Arthur, but as told by the women in his life. His sister, Morgaine (more commonly known as Morgan Le Fay), is a priestess of Avalon who is fighting to keep Christianity from overtaking Britain. Gwenhwyfar (a Welsh spelling of Guinevere), is trying to convert the entire kingdom to her Christien ways. It fallows these womens lives and tells the story of the fall of Avalon and traditional beliefs. It is also a wonderful look into politics, court life, and the insides of womens lives. I highly recomend this one as every one else that I know of who has read it.

The prequal to Mists is The Forest House. This is a romance between a high priestess and her half Roman lover. Although not as in depth as Mists, many may be relieved at it's much shorter lenghth. It's a wonderful tale that illustrates wht day to day life, politics, and religion may of been like before christianity came.
From Booklist , January 15, 1994 In the Forest House of ancient Britain live the last remaining Druid priestesses, practicing ancient rituals and attempting to keep peace between their people and the Roman invaders. Primary to the struggle is Eilan, herself the lover of Gaius, a half-Celtic Roman commander. Eilan's twin (well, actually, aunt, but they look so much alike their own families mix them up) is Dieda, another priestess, beloved of Cynric, leader of the vengeful Ravens, who are half-Roman offspring of raped Celtic priestesses. Somehow, the two bloods and the two religions must meld in order to form the sacred background of Arthurian legend, so richly mined by Bradley in The Mists of Avalon. Getting that job done is sometimes tedious (Gaius is sent to Rome to observe the Senate, married to a Londinium girl for dynastic purposes, sent off to war against the Germans) and sometimes thrilling (Eilan goes into a deep trance to encounter the goddess, and Gaius becomes the Year King in sacred sex). The second half of the book introduces far too many subsidiary characters for the reader's comfort, yet on whole this is a compelling goddess tale that should draw quite an audience. _{Pat Monaghan
Copyright� 1994, American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title}.

The third book in Mists is Lady of Avalon. This book is said to tie in Forest House to Mists, though I havn't read it yet.
From Booklist , April 1, 1997 Bradley's sensational Arthurian fantasy, The Mists of Avalon (1982), could never have a sequel, not if Bradley wanted to keep women's power as the main theme, because after Camelot, you will recall, things went steadily downhill. So she retreated and wrote The Forest House (1994), a prequel about the struggle between native Celts and invading Romans in Avalon's home world. This sequel to House and prequel to Mists is set close enough to Arthurian times for such important figures as Merlin and Vivianne to appear, yet far enough before them to allow Bradley's imagination ample scope. In it, three characters capable of reincarnation--a priestess, a mother, and a son--appear in similar relationships in episodes set at the turn of the first to the second century A.D., the end of the third century, and the middle of the fifth century. In each time, Avalon is threatened; the mystic isle survives, of course, but only through sacrifice. Bradley's women are, as usual, strong and vibrant, but never before has she so effectively depicted the heroic male. Expect strong demand for this installment of an immensely popular saga; Viking does, to the tune of a 150,000-copy first printing. _{Patricia Monaghan
Copyright� 1997, American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title}

Marion Zimmer bradly also writes a series that tkea place in Darkover. This world is very male dominated and women are second class citicians(sp). All that is except the Free Amazons. This group of women break all the rules by teaching women trades, swaring they would only marry for love, and cutting their hair short. Also in darkover are the Terrans. This is a group of science and logic that has colonized Darkover for the Empire. Some how these two groups, the darkovers and the Terrans, must lern respect for each other. This is complecated by the ruling class. These people have the laran(ESP), and believe they alone do. When it is discovered that some Terrans do as well as some darover pesents there is upheaval. This series is so long and detailed that I know I haven't givin it justice here. It's a wonderful series though that will leave you hunting for the next on constantly.

_{click on image to order}Ghostlight by Marion Zimmer Bradly
This is the first in a series that fetures Truth Journeyman. Truth is trying to make a life for herself and get away from her fathers legacy. Her father, Blackburn, was one of the greatest occultists of all time, that is until one day a ritual goes horribly wrong. In the aftermath Truth's mother is killed and Blackburn has dissapeared. This doesn't stop many from trying to fallow in his foot steps however. Truth must battle some who have chosen to recreate that night and in the process learns who and what she is. I have read most of this series and greatly enjoyed it. It is set in modern times and the sequals are highly interesting, with Truth going to face battle but rarely the main charecter. At times the stories seem almost unrelated, but thier is always a strong tie that is revealed.

Other books in this series: Heartlight; Gravelight;Witchlight; The Inheritor

Marion also writes a two book series of Glenraven. This is a world that only apears once every few thousand years. As a result it is somewhat like the middle ages. When the whole of Glenraven is threatened those with magic use it in a desperate attempt to call for help. This call mnaifests in a tourists guide of Glenraven that can only be seen by two women. These ladies of the modern world decide to take a tour of Glenraven to escape their lives. Totaly unprepared for what lies ahead these two must fight to save a world they don't even know. One of them is destened to never return.
The second in this series is In the Rift. In this book a little of Glenrave accedently ends up in this world. It is these four happen chance travelers look to find Kate. Kate is a wiccan who is having to battle a very biased town that is harrassing her due to her beliefs. It is just her luck to have four travelers, only one of witch even looks human, land in her yard out of know where. As she travels she becomes fast friends with them, only to learn one of them is a traitor. She must puzzel out who the traitor is, control her love for one, and find a way back to Glenraven befor both worlds are destroyed.

Marion Zimmer Bradly has written so many wonderful boks that it is impossible to include them all in here. She has also collaberated with many authors, inculding Peirs Anthony and Mercedes Lackey. Unfortunetly Marion reciently died in Calafornia of a heart attack. The world lost a wonderful story teller and person. She will be greatly missed by her many fans.

_{click on image to order}Children of the Night by Mercedes Lackey
a Diana Tregarde Investigation
In this novel a young vampire needs help. He lands on the doorstep of an occult store Dianna is careing for. Diana is a wiccan and a guardian. It is her job to protect the world from an array of evils. Here Diana finds out that their is something far worse than a vampire. This series of books with Diana is wonderful for young readers and adults alike.

Other books in this series: Jinx High_{(note this book is so popular the publisher has sold out. You'll have to wait for a reprint)}; Burning Water

Mercedes Lacky has written many wonderful books that I havn't had the pleasure of reading yet. For more books by her visit Amazon.com or your library.

_{click on image to order this book}A Spell for Chameleon by Peirs Anthoney
This is the fist in the xanth series. Xanth is a magical land that has been seperated from mundania for many centuries. Dangers here include invisible giants, love springs, dragond, monsters under the bed, and worst of all puns. This series is one you either love or hate. Personaly I love it. In this one it is the law of xanth that every one has to have a magical talent, even if it's as simple as the man who can change the color of his urine. Bink however doesn't seem to have a talent. In this he must quest to find his talent or a way around being banished.

Other books in this series: there are so danged many but I'll highlight a few. Source of Magic
Book Description Ordered by King Trent to determine the source of Xanth's magic, Bink and his companions were harried by an unseen enemy determined to thwart them. When even their protector turned against them, Blink still managed to reach his goal and carry out the King's orders...but the king did not expect...
Castle Roogna
Book Description Millie, a ghost for 800 years wants only one man--Jonathan, and he's a zombie. To prove himself, Magician Dor volunteers to get the potion that can restore Jonathan to full life. But he has to go back through time to do it, to a peril-haunted, ancient Xanth, where danger lurks at every turn....
Centaur Aisle
Book Description Dor agreed to act as King of Xanth so long as Trent was gone for a week. But the weeks passed and Trent did not return. Dor knew he had to rescue his king but with no magic powers, how could it be done...?
Night Mare
Book Description Although the Nextwave of barbarian warriors was invading Xanth, Mare Imbrium discovered that ever since she had gained the half soul, the night mare had begun to mishandle her job of delivering bad dreams. Exiled to the day world with a message for King Trent, Mare met the relentless, unforgiving...
Ogre, Ogre
Book Description Smash, himself, was part ogre. Although ogres were considered so stupid they coud hardly speak, and spent their time eating young girls, seven assorted females had suddenly turned to him for guidance and saftety? In Xanth, one visit to the Good Magician Humfrey worked wonders....
Crewel Lye : A Caustic Yarn
Book Description Jordan was a ghost in Castle Roogna now. Although once he had been the most valorus of knights--that is, until he was betrayed by two wily magicians and the woman he loves. Now, if he only can remember how he was killed, he'll be able to reassemble his body. And he is getting impatient....
Golem in the Gears
Book Description Grundy Golem got no respect. So, to prove himself, he volunteered for a quest to find the long-lost dragon, Stanley Steamer. On the way, he somehow manages to free a damsel in distress-- but not without incurring the wrath of the Sea Hag in the process. And when it comes to avenging herself on...
Dragon on a Pedestal
Book Description There is trouble in Xanth again. The Gap Dragon had escaped and was ravaging across the land, the forget-spell was causing mass amnesia, three-year old Ivy was headed right for a hungry dragon. Could things get any worse? Probably....
Man from Mundania (Xanth Trilogy, No 3)
Synopsis Thousands of fans have eagerly awaited the thrilling climax to the newest Xanth trilogy. Ivy, the bored princess of Xanth, uses the Heaven Cent to find a little adventure. What she finds instead is a world similar to her own and a college student who doesn't believe in magic.
Isle of View
Question Quest (Xanth, No 14) A great book to read in order to skip many This gives a wonderful, detailed history of the never-before revealed story of Magician Humphrey while briefly reminding you about all the books before this one.
The Color of Her Panties
Synopsis In the 15th novel of his Xanth series, Piers Anthony has captured again the fantasy world loved by millions. With outrageous wit and fantastic escapades, The Color of Her Panties explodes with phantasmagorical adventure as Gwenny Goblin competes with her brother Gobble in a battle of wits.
Demons Don't Dream
Synopsis Drawn into Xanth by a harmless-looking computer game, Dug and Kim battle their way across the dangerous terrain, as they test their mettle against many dangerous obstacles and monsters.
Harpy Thyme
From Booklist , December 1, 1993 Half-harpy, half-goblin, Gloha is the star of Anthony's latest romp through Xanth. Being the only one of her crossbred species and at an age when the opposite sex holds some attraction, Gloha appeals to Good Magician Humphry for help in finding a mate. Of course, nothing is straightforward or easy...
Geis of the Gargoyle
From Booklist , January 1, 1995 Anthony's Xanth series, one of the longest-running fantasy sagas ever, continues. Cary Gargoyle has a geis, a magical obligation, to protect the river Swan Knee, which flows from Mundania into Xanth, and must now find a spell to fight its pollution. The quest, of course, necessitates taking himself...
Roc and a Hard Place
From Booklist , September 1, 1995 In the umpteenth installment of Anthony's Xanth series, the Demoness Metria has a problem that only the good magician Humfrey can help her solve. There is a price to pay, however--finding a jury to give Roxanne Roc, under indictment for some bizarre crimes.
Yon ILL Wind
From Booklist , September 15, 1996 It is easy by now to lose count of the grand total of Xanth novels, but Anthony's best-known creation is surely one of the longest-running fantasy series ever. The latest installment features Xanth's presiding demon going in disguise on a quest and hoping to wring a tear from a hard-hearted wench...
Faun & Games
From Kirkus Reviews , August 1, 1997 What can a hapless reviewer possibly find to say about Anthony's Xanth yarns--here the 21st of that ilk--that hasn't been said before? Astonishing as it may seem, Anthony has found the present puns-and-anything-goes format too restrictive, so he's introduced a miniature planet called Ptero that.....
Piers Anthony's Visual Guide to Xanth
Synopsis Readers take a guided tour to the strange geography, magical locations, and the fantastical creatures that make the Land of Xanth unique. A visual treat expecially for fans of the newest Xanth novel, Man from Mundania. NON-FICTION Recommended Reading from Mikel (forgive any spelling error-my notes are a mess!): Mythic Ireland by Michael Dames (recommended by Ruadha/n)
44Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries by ?? (recommended by Breanda)
The Apple Branch by Alexei Kondratiev (recommended by Breanda)
Exploring the World of the Celts by Simon FSA James (recommended by Breanda)
Circle of Stones by Erynn Rowan Laurie (recommended by Breanda)
Pagan Celtic Britain by Anne Ross (recommended by Breanda)
Pagan Celtic Ireland: The Enigma of the Irish Iron Age by Barry Raftery (recommended by Mikel)
The Serpent and the Goddess by Mary Condren (recommended by Susan Weedlewoman)
The Book of Kells by R.A. Macavoy (recommended by Birrell Walsh)
Hounds of the Morrigan (children's fiction) by Pat O'Shea (recommended by sheeps@mindspring)
Women of the Celts by Jean Markale
Celtic Fire - The Passionate Religious Vision of Ancient Britain and Ireland, edited by Robert Van DeWeyer (recommended by Ruadha/n)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELTS

World of the Celts_ by Simon James
The Celtic World and Celtic Myths by Miranda Green

DRUIDS (AND MORE ABOUT THE CELTS)

The World of Druids by Miranda Green*
The Druids by Peter Berresford Ellis (nice reading not always excellent research)
Druids, Gods, and Heroes of Celtic Mythology by Anne Ross

GOOD INFORMATION

Celtic Heritage by Alwyn and Brinley Rees (the basic bible)
Pagan Celtic Ireland by Barry Raftery
Pagan Celtic Britain by Anne Ross
Celtic Goddesses and/or Celtic Gods by Miranda Green
The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries by W.Y. Evans-Wentz
The Ancient Celts by Barry Cunliffe (Well reviewed, but I haven't seen it yet. Spendy)
The Apple Branch by Alexei Kondratiev
The Encyclopedia of Celtic Wisdom, by the Matthews. (mixed feelings but useful at times)
The Celtic Tradition, by Caitlin Mathews (some good stuff not found elsewhere but not that great a book)

MEGALITHIC

The Stones of Time by Ronald Hutton

MYTHS AND FOLKLORE

Ancient Irish Tales, ed. Cross and Slover
Early Irish Myths and Sagas, by Jeffrey Gantz
Irish Fairy and Folktales or Fairy and Folktales of Ireland (abbreviated version), by Y.B. Yeats

HISTORICAL MYTH FICTION
Morgan Llywelyn's books, _Bard_ and _Red Branch_ in particular.

INSPIRATIONAL

Celtic Devotional, by Caitlin Matthews
The Carmina Gadelica, by Alexander Carmichael*
Irish Blessings, edited Kitty Nash (Gramercy Books)
Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Rob Skelton (out of print)
A Circle of Stones, by Erynn Laurie*

TRANSLATIONS *

The Tain, by Thomas Kinsella.
The Mabinogi, by Patrick Ford
The Celtic Heroic Age, edited by John Koch
A Celtic Miscellany, by Kenneth Hurlstone Jackson
The Carmina Gadelica, by Alexander Carmichael

A BASIC LIBRARY

Celtic Heritage, by Alwyn and Brinley Rees (the basic bible)
The Carmina Gadelica, by Alexander Carmichael
The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries, by W.Y. Evans-Wentz
Celtic Goddesses, by Miranda Green (if you are into goddesses and want more info; she also has a Gods book)
Dictionary of Celtic Mythology or Dictionary of Irish Mythology by Peter Berresford Ellis or Miranda Green's Dictionary (a bit more expensive)

At least one of:
Ancient Irish Tales, ed. Cross and Slover
Early Irish Myths and Sagas, by Jeffrey Gantz
Irish Fairy and Folktales or Fairy and Folktales of Ireland (abbreviated version), by Y.B. Yeats
You may eventually want a Irish, Scottish or Welsh/ etc. Dictionary.