Celtic Saints of Western Britain by Nic Phillips
CELTIC SAINTS OF WESTERN BRITAIN
By Nic Phillips
Celtic Saints of Western Britain is an exceptional exploration of the lives and deeds of many of the saints of Wales, Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Included are better-known saints such as David, Nectan, Michael and Piran, as well as some of the more enigmatic figures, such as Cuby, Helen, Just and Morwenna. Author and artist Nic Phillips successfully brings the saints to life - both by recounting the stories of these mystical, dramatic, humorous, and sometimes argumentative characters and through his distinctive, full-colour illustrations inspired by pilgrimages through the sacred landscape of their world.
Drawing on historical and archaeological research, as well as medieval hagiographies, place names and folk remembrances the reader is invited to explore the saints within the Celtic landscape they inhabited. They travelled widely, and their lives were often tangled in a complex web of family connections, teachers and acquaintances. We find the Irish saints Brigid and Patrick celebrated in the south-west of England, alongside biblical figures such as the archangel Michael; and Joseph of Arimathea, who according to local legend, founded Britain's first church at Glastonbury.
Occupying an imperative place in the Celtic world, the lives of the saints were filled with miracle and magic, sacrifice and compassion. Nic Phillips clearly demonstrates their enduring power as teachers, through the humanity and virtue they embody.
2015, 178 pages. Hardback laminate, paperback & Kindle editions available.
ISBN 978-1-905297-87-0
Standard Color 6.69 x 9.61 in or 244 x 170 mm (Pinched Crown) Perfect Bound on Standard 70 White w/Gloss Lam
ISBN 978-1-905297-88-7
Standard Color 6.69 x 9.61 in or 244 x 170 mm (Pinched Crown) Case Laminate on Standard 70 White w/Gloss Lam
"Nic Phillips brings a rare combination of gifts to this subject - the eye of an artist, the training of a historian, and the feet of a pilgrim. Celtic Saints of Western Britain is a richly illustrated and engagingly written exploration of the holy figures of Wales, Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, from the celebrated Saint David to the delightfully obscure Saint Just. Drawing on medieval hagiographies, archaeology, place names and folk memory, Phillips reveals a world where miracle and magic sit comfortably alongside history, and the sacred landscape of the Celtic west is brought vividly to life. A beautiful and inspiring book for pagans, pilgrims and history lovers alike." - C.S.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
The children of Brychan in Cornwall
The Irish mission
Cornwall’s patron saint – Piran, Petroc, or Michael?
Glastonbury – an accumulation of saints
A Dumnonian family of saints
South Wales: great school of the saints
A miscellany of saints
Feast days of the saints
The descendants of Constantine Gorneu
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
Nic Phillips is an English artist and writer with a degree in History and Archaeology from Cardiff University. He spent 12 years in Wales, before moving to Glastonbury, Somerset, to work at one of his most cherished heritage destinations, Glastonbury Abbey. Nic began exploring the landscape of the West Country from a young age with regular holidays in Cornwall which would eventually inspire some of the paintings in his book Celtic Saints of Western Britain. After illustrating two tarot decks with Kim Huggens exploring the Divine Masculine and Feminine, entitled Sol Invictus and Pistis Sophia, Nic developed his art on a larger scale. He launched Nic Phillips Sacred Art and studying and creating Eastern-inspired icons, alongside depictions of the Goddess, as well as numerous saints, in a distinctive modern style.
All of his artwork can be purchased as prints, cards, and more, directly from the artist through his website, Facebook, and Etsy store.
For more information visit www.nicphillipssacredart.com
eBook options
Kindle £4.99
