Reading is part and parcel of the reconstructionist methodology, but for those who are new to it all it can be a little daunting knowing where to start. A lot of the more popular neopagan publishers have a reputation for being very unreliable when it comes to historical accuracy, so finding reliable sources can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Reconstructionists tend to rely on more academic sources, since a definitive ‘how to’ book on Celtic Reconstructionism is yet to be published (and it's questionable whether it's possible to do that in just one book). Some of the more seasoned individuals that are prominent within the CR community are apparently working on rectifying this, but until the time such a book is published (or books), anyone interested in pursuing CR as a path will have a lot of legwork to do - although in fairness a CR book won’t change that. Research is what recons do… The books listed below are therefore some of the titles that I feel are most relevant to a Celtic Reconstructionist who’s interested in a Gaelic focus in their practises. I’ve started with some historical/archaeological books because I think a good starting place is getting a firm understanding of who the various Celtic cultures were and how they developed, but of course availability, budget and what holds your interest will also be important factors in where you decide to start. You don’t need to spend a lot of money in getting these books, either. Many of them are readily available second hand, or else libraries should be able to get them for you. Books for general background The Ancient Celts - Barry Cunliffe
One of the best overviews of the ancient Celts available, this is a good introduction to who the Celts were. Quite lengthy, but easily dipped into and good libraries should have a copy available. There are plenty of glossy pictures to help break up the text - which may sound a little shallow, but it certainly makes it all easier on the eye and helps illustrate some of the important artefacts that are described. Exploring the World of the Celts - Simon James
A straightforward introduction to the Celts with lots of pictures. Although criticised for being a little superficial and light on information in places, this is a good starting point for learning about who the Celts were without getting bogged down in too much detail. However, it should be noted that James’ ‘Celtoskeptic’ stance is controversial in some quarters. See the CR FAQ for reasons why. Celtic Mythology - Proinsias Mac Cana
Not in print anymore, but you should be able to find second hand copies easily and cheaply in various editions from online bookshops. Mac Cana gives a very straightforward introduction to the various branches of Celtic myth and while it's slightly dated now, it's still one of the best introductions to the subject. Pagan Celtic Britain - Anne Ross
A dense read so maybe a little off-putting for an absolute beginner wanting something simple. It’s a little outdated in places now but it’s definitely the best book by Anne Ross, and contains a lot of good information. It’s also widely available secondhand at a reasonable price. Celtic Heritage - Alwyn and Brinley Rees
This is one of the best books to get when you’re starting on a CR path. Focusing mainly on Irish mythology, but also Welsh, this book is a relatively straightforward read (although quite dense in some respects - especially if you're not too familiar with the myths) and provides a valuable insight into not just the myths but also the cosmology of the Celts. Slightly outdated, but well worth a read. Essential books for Scottish Reconstructionists Ortha Nan Gaidheal: Carmina Gadelica in English and Gaelic - Alexander Carmichael
You need this book (well...technically, these volumes). Carmichael was a fluent Gaelic speaker who spent time in the Highlands and Islands during the nineteenth century collecting (with a little help from his friends) the prayers, charms, blessings and tales of the Gaelic speaking community before they died out and were lost for good. These, and the accompanying notes, give an insight into the society of the time, and many of the charms show pagan elements. Originally published in six volumes, the whole set will put a large dent in your pocket. Versions without the Gaelic, available as a single edition, are a lot cheaper and a good starting point, although not as complete as the individual volumes. Even if you do end up with the complete set, the edited single-volume version is handy for quick reference. Books one and two are available for free at sacred texts. The Gaelic Otherworld: John Gregorson Campbell’s Superstitions Of The Highlands And Islands Of Scotland And Witchcraft & Second Sight In The Highlands & Islands - John Gregorson Campbell, edited by Ronald Black
Originally published as two separate books, The Gaelic Otherworld contains a huge amount of folklore and beliefs collected during the latter half of the nineteenth century by Campbell. Black’s extensive commentary on the original work is very informative (especially for pointing out bits that are outdated or wrong) and the whole volume gives a good insight into the beliefs and practises of the Highland and Islanders. It's occasionally difficult to get hold of if you're looking to buy a copy, but definitely worth it. The Silver Bough - F Marian McNeill
The first three of the four volume series are the most useful, detailing masses of information on folklore, beliefs and practises. Volume one deals with general folkoric beliefs and practices, and volumes two and three focus on the festival calendar, with volume four looking at local festivals. Not in print anymore, you should be able to find copies easily enough, but they might not be cheap to buy in the US from what I'm told…definitely worth investing in if you can, though. A Handbook of the Scottish Gaelic World - Michael Newton
A good balance to all the folklore, Newton’s book gives a more rounded view of Scottish Gaelic society. This was hard to find at a good price, but recently several cheaper copies seem to be kicking around. Four Courts Press also say they’ll be reprinting it soon (it seems they say that a lot, though...). The CR FAQ lists this as a qualified recommendation, which you might want to consider before you buy. Essential books for Irish Reconstructionists The Year in Ireland - Kevin Danaher
Everything you ever wanted to know about Irish calendar customs…This is a great book for information on how the Irish celebrated the Cross Quarter Days (and more) into living memory. Like a lot of books, this isn’t in print anymore, but second hand copies should be kicking around quite cheaply. Irish Folk Ways - E Estyn Evans
Quite possibly more than you ever wanted to know about even the most minute details of Irish life…The good thing is that it at least has an index at the back if you recoil in horror at the thought of reading it from cover to cover. This is a nice complement to Danaher’s book and shouldn’t be too hard to find for not too much money. Irish Folk Customs and Belief - Séan Ó Súillebháin
A good introduction to many of the key aspects of practice and belief that can be gleaned from Irish folklore. This book is short and sweet, and doesn't go into too much detail that will overwhelm a beginner and it doesn't go into. It's an easy read that doesn't require too much knowledge of Irish folklore and customs so it's a great place to start. You should be able to get hold of it for a reasonable price if you can't find it at the library, but it's no longer in print so availability may be limited. Cattle Lords & Clansmen - Nerys Patterson
An invaluable book that gives a nice balance to the folklore found in Danaher and Evans, with lots of information about the more practical, less folky aspects of life and society. A fair criticism of this book is that it’s written for an academic audience so it can be quite dry (long and involved...), but the chapters are easily read on their own for the most part, so it can be easily dipped into. Definitely worth a full read through, though. Essential books on mythology Gods and Heroes of the Celts - Marie-Louise Sjoestedt (trans Myles Dillon)
Along with Mac Cana and the Rees brothers, who've already been listed above, this is one of the best introductions to Irish myth around. Start with this book if you want something short and sweet, though - it's not too overwhelming. Pagan Past and Christian Present in Early Irish Literature - Kim McCone
Not a good book for beginners, but invaluable for anyone wanting to look at the myths in more detail and get more in depth…Hard to get hold of (cheaply), so you might want to get this one out at the library. McCone offers a very different perspective from most of the books that are recommended on CR lists, and for that alone it's a good read. You may not agree with a lot of it - he heavily emphasises a (usually) Biblical or staunchly non-pagan interpretation of the material - but he offers a good counterpoint to a lot of authors who often assume that if its mythological it must be pre-Christian. Books for Celtic Reconstructionists Kindling the Celtic Spirit - Mara Freeman
NOT a CR book, but surprisingly well researched, referenced and with lots of information and ideas on how to go about the practical side of things. A good place to start for some practical ideas while you work on formulating some of your own. The Apple Branch - Alexei Kondratiev
While this isn’t strictly a CR book - it’s perhaps more ‘proto-CR’ than anything else - it’s an important contribution to the development of the path. A lot of CRs find the book a good place for inspiration, although the practical aspects were aimed at a wider neopagan/Wiccanesque audience so the ritual outlines aren't so useful… A Circle of Stones - Erynn Rowan Laurie
Short and sweet with lots of practical ideas aimed specifically at a CR audience (primarily Gaelic). According to the CR FAQ the author says there are bits she would change now, but this is an important work in the evolution of CR as a whole, and packs in lots of useful ideas for such a small volume. Ogam: Weaving Word Wisdom - Erynn Rowan Laurie
A while ago, Laurie made a booklet on ogam available for a small fee, called Not Your Mama’s Tree Ogam: A Guide to Celtic Ogam and Alternatives to Tree Ogam. This book is an expanded version of the fruits of her labour…So support a starving CR author. Well OK, not starving, but let’s face it, books don’t always make authors millionaires. This has been a long-awaited book in the CR community and it doesn’t disappoint. While it’s about ogam and the filidecht (’poets’ to give a poor, but succinct explanation) path, it’s well worth a read even if you’re not interested in such things because it gives a good introduction to CR in general. Where a lot of CR people tend to get bogged down in details (guilty), the author does a great job in putting things simply and in a way that’s easy to understand without overwhelming the reader. Good references are given, so you can use it as a springboard for your own research, and best of all it’s always clear when personal perspectives are given, so you won’t feel misled. Talking about the Elephant - edited by Lupa
An anthology of articles from a variety of authors tackling the subject of cultural appropriation. The book as a whole is well worth a read, and Erynn Rowan Laurie and Phillip Bernhardt-House have both contributed two articles each that specifically deal with a CR perspective. The CR FAQ - Various authors
A group effort by several of the most senior members of the CR movement, this book is a printed version of the CR FAQ that can be found online. Fully indexed and with a few added extras that you won’t find on the website (like a glossary and handy prounciation guide), all profits go to a charity promoting the preservation of Gaelic language and culture. See here for more information. Start here or on the CR FAQ website for answers to pretty much any question you have about CR, and probably some you didn't even think of...
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