The Modern Scholar: Celts and Germans

The Enduring Heritage of the European Northlands

By: Professor Timothy B. Shutt

Narrated by: Professor Timothy B. Shutt

One of the Modern Scholar's most popular lecturers, Professor Timothy B. Shutt of Kenyon College examines the contributions of the peoples of northern Europe through their vibrant literary legacy. As Professor Shutt's textual analysis reveals, Celtic and Germanic values shine through these works, exhibiting such characteristics as courage, self-control, and respect for women. As listeners will find, the legacy of the European Northlands formed a cultural pattern that continues to this day.

©2012 Timothy B. Shutt (P)2012 Crescite Group, LLC

great introduction

I loved it. I would love to actually hear more of the Linguistics involved and more of the actual lines of poetry. That was my favorite part. I appreciated the introduction to these literary works. But I was also more interested in art and culture rather than just literation.

C'mon Modern Scholar

No notes to this complicated material? Are you kidding me? The narrator was bad enough. but without notes it was painful.

Better recording equipment is the secret

I think a better microphone or recording setup would make this more enjoyable. There was a lot of annoying popping during the lectures.

Sometimes Good sometimes not so good

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Definitely the narrator, change chapter 7.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Voice was not conducive to listening even irritating at times

Do you think The Modern Scholar: Celts and Germans needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes. Change narrators, the presentation,

Any additional comments?

It appeared to me whoever prepared the lectures knew the subject matter for the most part. However there were times it was simply disjointed or the narrator would drone on with lists of names as if reading from a shopping list. Chapter 7 was an absolute bore by comparison to the Great Courses lecture " King Arthur: History and Legend" by Prof Dorsey Armstrong.This lecture and presentation may be ok for high school students but it lacks a bit for adult or college students and learners.My overall rating of 3 stars was because the course has interesting parts but it just as easily could have been 2 stars. It was a flip of the coin and 3 stars won.

Great Source of Information and Engaging Lecturer

What made the experience of listening to The Modern Scholar: Celts and Germans the most enjoyable?

The lecturer is both incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about the subject and an entertaining storyteller! He integrates archaeological findings with historical and textual material to give a robust, well supported perspective of the origins and evolution of the Celtic and Germanic cultures in Europe.

What other book might you compare The Modern Scholar: Celts and Germans to and why?

This compares well to Europe: A History by Norman Davies in that it's enjoyable while being informative, but doesn't make unsupported or reaching interpretations of its subject.

What does uncredited bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Again, the storytelling done by the lecturer is engaging and entertaining. He brings to life and gives great personality to the Eddas that would be impossible to recreate in text form.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The role of the underlying belief systems - Germanic being a grim reality and Celtic being one of transformation and reincarnation - in the tenor and character of their cultures.

Any additional comments?

I love that the lecturer presents his view, the evidence supporting his view and then makes qualifying statements that make it clear to the listener any limitations to the view. I respect the lecturer immensely for this!

Wonderful lecture series from Shutt

This is another wonderful lecture series from one of my favorite professors available from Audible. I love his speaking voice, a great wind-down from the day. He has a passion for the subject matter that is infectious. I think this would work well for a homeschooler (as would most of his lecture series).

Although all of the lectures were really good, I appreciated him bringing the sagas to life since they are a bit daunting to me. If you like this subject, there are other lectures from Prof. Drout through Modern Scholar and Prof. Harl on Great Courses that will flesh it out further.

There seems to be an editing problem (on this and other Modern Scholar lectures) where it skips a bit at the beginning of the lecture. Not a real barrier to understanding.