Imagining the Celtic Past in Modern Fantasy

Imagining the Celtic Past in Modern Fantasy explores the historical, mythological, and folkloric roots of Celtic motifs and traditions in post-1980s adult fantasy literature, highlighting the influence of medieval Celtic-language texts, folklore, and classical sources on modern and popular culture. It includes highly acclaimed works and lesser-known titles, covering topics such as fairy magic, Celtic-inspired worldbuilding, heroic patterns, classical ethnography, and genre tropes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Imagining the Celtic Past in Modern Fantasy is a comprehensive exploration of the representation of Celtic motifs and traditions in post-1980s adult fantasy literature. It highlights how the historical, mythological, and folkloric elements of the Celtic world have served as inspiration for the fantastic in modern and popular culture of the Western world. The book brings together highly acclaimed works with those that have received less critical attention, including French and Gaelic fantasy literature. It examines a wide range of texts, including Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Alan Garner's Weirdstone trilogy, Jodi McIsaac's Irish fantasies, David Gemmell's Rigante novels, Patricia Kennealy-Morrison's Keltiad books, and Iain F. MacLeòid's An Sgoil Dhubh. The collection also includes analyses of the Celtic Tarot in speculative fiction and Celtic appropriation in fan culture.

One of the key themes of the book is the representation of fairy magic in modern fantasy. The author argues that fairy magic has been a significant source of inspiration for many modern fantasy writers, and that it has been used to create unique and captivating worlds. Fairy magic is often associated with the Celtic world, and the author explores the various ways in which it has been depicted in modern fantasy literature.

Another important theme of the book is the Celtic-inspired worldbuilding. The author argues that Celtic-inspired worldbuilding has been a key feature of modern fantasy literature, and that it has helped to create a sense of authenticity and depth in the fantasy worlds. Celtic-inspired worldbuilding includes the use of Celtic mythology, folklore, and language, as well as the creation of unique cultural practices and traditions.

The book also explores the heroic patterns that have been associated with the Celtic world. The author argues that the Celtic world has been a source of inspiration for many heroic characters in modern fantasy literature, and that these characters have been characterized by their bravery, loyalty, and sense of honor. The author explores the various ways in which these heroic patterns have been depicted in modern fantasy literature, and how they have been used to create compelling and memorable characters.

Classical ethnography is also a significant theme of the book. The author argues that classical ethnography has been a valuable source of inspiration for modern fantasy literature, and that it has helped to create a sense of realism and authenticity in the fantasy worlds. Classical ethnography includes the study of ancient cultures and societies, and the author explores the various ways in which it has been used to create realistic and believable fantasy worlds.

Genre tropes are also a significant theme of the book. The author argues that genre tropes have been a key feature of modern fantasy literature, and that they have helped to create a sense of familiarity and comfort for readers. Genre tropes include the use of magic, adventure, romance, and mystery, and the author explores the various ways in which they have been used in modern fantasy literature.

In addition to its exploration of the representation of Celtic motifs and traditions in post-1980s adult fantasy literature, the book also includes a discussion of the Celtic Tarot in speculative fiction. The author argues that the Celtic Tarot has been a significant source of inspiration for many modern fantasy writers, and that it has been used to create unique and captivating tarot decks. The author explores the various ways in which the Celtic Tarot has been used in speculative fiction, and how it has been used to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The book also includes a discussion of Celtic appropriation in fan culture. The author argues that Celtic appropriation has been a controversial topic in recent years, and that it has been used to create a sense of cultural identity and pride for many people. The author explores the various ways in which Celtic appropriation has been used in fan culture, and how it has been used to create a sense of community and belonging.

Overall, Imagining the Celtic Past in Modern Fantasy is a comprehensive and provocative book that explores the representation of Celtic motifs and traditions in post-1980s adult fantasy literature. It highlights how the historical, mythological, and folkloric elements of the Celtic world have served as inspiration for the fantastic in modern and popular culture of the Western world. The book brings together highly acclaimed works with those that have received less critical attention, and it provides a nuanced understanding of the Celtic past as it has been informed by recent debates in Celtic studies. Whether you are a fan of fantasy literature or a student of Celtic studies, this book is sure to provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 233 x 156 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350350038