A review by laurareads87
Blood and Mistletoe: The History of the Druids in Britain by Ronald Hutton

informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

Rigorous, well researched, and thorough - I would recommend Hutton's book to anyone interested in the subject of how the figure of the Druid has been taken up in different ways at different periods in British history. Hutton notes toward the end of the book that he could've just as easily titled it 'Thinking with Druids,' and this is certainly true as he traces the ideas that ancient Druids have inspired and the attitudes that various figures - archaeologists, religious leaders, writers, musicians, contemporary Druidry practitioners, and more - have taken toward them. With very little historical record of ancient Druids to go on (and the little there is to go on being questionable for a host of reasons), the figure of the Druid has meant - and means - many different things to different people. As a practicing Druid, I appreciate the respectful approach Hutton takes.

Content warnings: discussions of racism and colonialism
Expand filter menu Content Warnings