The Celtic nations of Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales, are well known for their literature, mythology, poetry and song. This volume is a study of the linguistic and literary achievements of those nations and provides a much-needed overview of the condition of all the Celtic languages. By emphasising the connection, these studies taken together illuminate the whole Celtic domain.

As the Editor points out, the Celtic identity is not one of race - the genetic links, if they are there at all, just cannot be proved - but it is of a common linguistic and cultural heritage. The Celtic Connection focuses on the similarities and differences in language across the Celtic nations and contributes to the resurgence of interest in the Celtic identity which is increasingly being supported by official bodies, both national and international.

The collection commences with a description of the languages and the origins of early Celtic society. Each language is then examined by a leading expert in linguistics and literature. All the contributors have written their contribution bearing in mind the theme of the title - the extent to which links among the Celtic peoples have (or, indeed, have not) been significant.