Christianity and the Celts (Ivp Histories)

J. R. R. Tolkien observed that the word Celtic "is a magic bag, into which anything may be put, and out of which almost anything may come . . . Anything is possible in the fabulous Celtic twilight, which is not so much a twilight of the gods as of the reason." But in this enjoyable and lucid IVP Histories volume, Ted Olsen digs beneath the layers of romanticization to introduce you to the world of the Celts. Focusing on their interaction with the Christian faith, Olsen tells the stories of principal characters from Ireland and beyond. As he illuminates the missionary fervor and monastic ideals of saints such as Patrick and Columbanus, Olsen brings a distant period of history to vivid life. Here is an engaging portrait of men and women whose ability to intrigue and fascinate is as strong as it ever was.