The Book of the Bardic Chair

This book is many things - a history, a directory, a guide, a sourcebook, and a work in progress. I have read the 08 edition, but it is evident the intention is to update this work as the bardic chair movement grows. The book is both a record of that development, and a means for furthering it. There's such a rich and diverse selection of writing here. It includes a history of bardic chairs, and overview of chairs around the world, a detailed history of the chair of Caer Badon, insights into the works of chaired bards, including samples of their creations, suggestions for how to run chairs and details of bardic gatherings.

Reading it, I felt sorely tempted to try and set something up - even though I don't realistically have time. Kevan's writing is persuasive, and the subject matter inspiring. He expresses not only why such gatherings are important, but makes it feel eminently do-able. One of the things I especially loved is that he presents the bard path as a thing in its own right - rooted in Celtic culture, but not exclusively that, and certainly not ‘druid level one'. Spiritual but not proselytising, competitive but not exclusive, the chairs are as much about the wider community and inclusion as they are about a few talented people strutting their stuff on the day. The bardic movement is a peace movement, and a green movement, it is for community, earth, connection and inspiration and we need more of this.

For anyone drawn to the modern bard path, this is well worth reading. For those exploring the modern history of paganism, it's going to be a valuable resource. For anyone seeking inspiration, there are all kinds of gems gathered here. It's a book I know I will be going back to, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves in future editions.