This is an intriguing collection of Celtic literary fragments. Bringing together works from across the British Isles and encompassing it’s many tongues the translator Kenneth Hurlstone Jackson has assembled a more complete sampler of Celtic writings than one might expect.

Having no knowledge of any of the languages under translation- including Manx Cornish and Welsh amongst others- I can make little comment upon the accuracy of Jackson’s work, however writing ranging from epic tales to wistful epigraphs are rendered in clean readable prose despite having to abandon some of the rhythmic tricks and rhymes of the originals.

The book is arranged into relevant sections which are prefaced by what can be described as miniature essays in which Jackson lectures on such issues as modern perception of Celtic literature, translation issues and historical details - these are a welcome and highly valuable addition. The translator also generously provides maps and an exhaustive set of notes.

The works themselves can be hit and miss, with the average and the sublime placed side by side. The simple charm, which is constant throughout the pieces, soon became a pleasure however and a refreshing change from reading other “grander” works translated from an older source material.

I recommend this collection for anyone looking for an entrance point into the work of Celtic writers, many whom sadly remain unidentified. I believe that this is a part of our literary heritage, which is strangely and in my opinion erroneously ignored.

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