Imagining the Celtic Past in Modern Fantasy

This book explores how post-1980s adult fantasy literature has drawn inspiration from the historical, mythological, and folkloric aspects of the Celtic past, including works by Susanna Clarke, Alan Garner, Jodi McIsaac, David Gemmell, Patricia Kennealy-Morrison, and Iain F. MacLeòid. It examines topics such as fairy magic, Celtic-inspired worldbuilding, heroic patterns, classical ethnography, and genre tropes, and demonstrates how modern fantasy is indebted to medieval Celtic-language texts, folkloric traditions, and classical sources.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the captivating world of representations of Celtic motifs and traditions in post-1980s adult fantasy literature, shedding light on the profound influence of history, mythology, and folkloric elements on the realm of the fantastic in modern and popular culture across the Western world. By bringing together both acclaimed masterpieces and lesser-known treasures, including French and Gaelic fantasy literature, Imagining the Celtic Past in Modern Fantasy offers a comprehensive exploration of a diverse range of texts. These include Susanna Clarkes Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Alan Garner s Weirdstone trilogy, the Irish fantasies of Jodi McIsaac, David Gemmell s Rigante novels, Patricia Kennealy-Morrison s Keltiad books, as well as An Sgoil Dhubh by Iain F. MacLeòid and the Vertigen and Frontier series by Léa Silhol. With a lively and innovative approach, the collection delves into a multitude of topics, including fairy magic, Celtic-inspired worldbuilding, heroic patterns, classical ethnography, and genre tropes. Moreover, it provides insightful analyses of the Celtic Tarot in speculative fiction and the pervasive influence of Celtic appropriation in fan culture. By offering a nuanced understanding of the Celtic past, as informed by recent debates in Celtic studies, this wide-ranging and thought-provoking book demonstrates how modern fantasy is deeply indebted to medieval Celtic-language texts, folkloric traditions, and classical sources. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Celtic world in shaping the fantastical imagination of generations to come.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350349995