This is my fourth book, a biographical study of Saint Columba, the founder of Iona. Like my previous books it draws on primary and secondary sources to present a narrative history of its subject. In this case the main primary source (Adomnán’s Life of St Columba) is so central to the narrative that its author features almost as prominently as Columba himself. In fact, I’ve used Adomnán as my chief guide. My narrative sticks fairly closely to the Life throughout the first part of the book, which deals with Columba’s career in Ireland and Scotland. The second part looks at Columba’s legacy: the cult that grew around him and the federation of churches that regarded him as their patron.
One aspect of Columba’s story that particularly interests me is his interaction with secular powers, especially with ambitious rulers such as his kinsman Áed mac Ainmerech in Ireland, Áedán mac Gabráin of Dal Riata and the Pictish king Bridei. His relationships with these three, and with other powerful lords, are examined in this book, as are his dealings with folk of lesser social status.
Contents
Introduction: Finding Columba
Chapter 1 – The Sources
Chapter 2 – From Ireland to Iona
Chapter 3 – King Áedán
Chapter 4 – Abbot
Chapter 5 – Iona and her Neighbours
Chapter 6 – The Picts
Chapter 7 – Saint
Chapter 8 – Paruchia and Familia
Chapter 9 – Legacy
Like my second book The Men of the North: the Britons of Southern Scotland, this one has detailed references which are gathered into a Notes section at the rear, with an accompanying bibliography. Illustrations include maps and black-and-white photographs.
Columba is published in Edinburgh by John Donald. It is available from Amazon UK and Amazon US.
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Just put it on my wishlist…
Thanks, Nicola. Amazon show it as being available Stateside on 1st November but I’m not sure if this is a definite date.
Thanks. I’m reading it.
Cheers, Ian. I’ll be interested to hear what you think of it.
Looks very interesting – requesting library order it ( yeah, I still use libraries…)
Cheers, Phil. It’s good to know libraries still have money for new books!
There’s some – we fight for it. And I’ve learned you should make sure they have your requests so when money is available.
Libraries need to survive – the world would be more dim with out them ( in all meanings of the word “dim”)
Well said! I totally agree.
[...] Clarkson of Senchus has announced his newest book of Columba, announced the latest issue of the Heroic Age , and wrote about searching for Bede’s [...]
Flipping heck, Tim, it’s only five minutes since your last book or seems like it, how are you doing it? What’s next?
Congratulations, anyway!
Thanks, Jon. You’re right about the timing. Columba came hot on the heels of Makers Of Scotland. But no more books are in the pipeline at the moment, except for one or two vague ideas. At some point I need to tackle a couple of journal articles, and get back into gear with blogging, and read a whole heap of stuff.
I spent three days and two nights at the Argyll Hotel on Iona in June 2011. It was the most beautiful, magical place. Myself and three friends found the Monk’s Cell ruins, which was not easy! The history, the beauty, the peace was so overwhelming! I understand why it is considered a “thin place”. I will be looking for your book!
Yes, Iona has a special kind of atmosphere. If you pick up my book sometime, I hope you enjoy reading it.
I am currently reading, The Chronicles of Iona: Prophet, by Paula de Fougerolles, which is a fictional account of Iona and Columba. I have so many questions about which parts are true and which parts are pure fiction so next on my list will be your book.
Thanks again for your interest in my book, Teresa. I’ve not yet read the current two volumes in the Chronicles of Iona series but it will be interesting to see how the fictional narrative weaves among the historical fragments. On the factual side you’re on solid ground with Paula: she has a medieval history PhD from Cambridge and is an expert on the ecclesiastical politics of Brittany.