James Bonwick: 11 books

“Ireland, whether viewed from an antiquarian or an ethnological point of view, is one of the most interesting countries in the world.” So begins James Bonwick’s fascinating study of the mysterious and mystical Druids of Ireland and unprejudiced examination the ancient religions of the Emerald Isle.

Who were the Druids? This question has agitated the minds of the learned for a long period; and various, as well as contradictory, have been the replies. Tradition preserves their memory as of a pious and superior race, prominently associated with the British Isles and France, and, in a lesser...

The god most prominently set forth in early Irish missionary records is Crom, Cromm Cruach or Cenn Crûach, the bleeding head; or Cromm Cruaich, the Crooked or Bent One of the Mound. The Mother of the Irish gods,--the Bona Dea of Romans--appears to have been the Morrigan, to whom the white-horned bull...

Nature worship has been regarded as the foundation of all religions. In early philosophy throughout the world, the sun and moon were alive, and, as it were, human in their nature. We should be quite unable truly to understand how the central myths and poesies originated, if we cannot, in some degree...

IRELAND, whether viewed from an antiquarian or an ethnological point of view, is one of the most interesting countries in the world. It is not the less an object of attention from the fact, that in its early history there are traces of nearly every kind of pagan belief. It is curious that its literary...

Classic exploration of the Great Pyramid's construction and objectives combines imagination, erudition. Physical form; when it was built, and by whom; roles as an astronomical observatory, source of inspiration for religious teachings, scientific and mystic implications. Unabridged republication of the classic 1877 edition.

We hear their chants in the Stone Circles. We listen to the heaven-inspired utterances of the Archdruid, as he stands on the capstone of a cromlech, in the eye of the sun, surrounded by the white-robed throng. We see the golden sickle reverently cutting off the sacred mistletoe. We look under the old...

By far the most interesting of the peoples that formerly inhabited Ireland were the Tuaths, or Tuatha de Danaans, or Dananns. There is much mystery about them in Irish traditions. They were men, gods, or fairies. They came, of course, from the East, calling in at Greece on the way, so as to increase...

No more touching or inspiring belief was there among the ancient Irish, than in the hope of another life beyond the grave. Nature restored the dead forest of winter to the wealth of foliage in spring, why should not the breathless form of man once more find joy in life? The soul of the Maori, it was...

Connected with these practices (Belteine, etc.), is the vivid memory still retained of one universal Ophiolatreia, or serpent worship; … The Celtic word for a serpent is expressive of its wisdom. A knowing man, one versed in the mysteries, was called a serpent. Was it the serpent's silence which distinguished...

Who were the Druids? This question has agitated the minds of the learned for a long period; and various, as well as contradictory, have been the replies. Tradition preserves their memory as of a pious and superior race, prominently associated with the British Isles and France, and, in a lesser degree,...