Retired Washington State University professor Joe Ayres has spent years exploring and celebrating the richness of Celtic heritage and now, his work is reaching a wider audience. His book, Celtic Knowledge: A Primer, details information about the Celts and accompanying symbolism.
The book was driven by the necessity of providing visitors to Celtic Crossroads NW, the family-run shop he has co-owned for 17 years, answers to questions like “What inspired the Claddagh design?” and to which he had no answer 17 years ago. The answers to such questions came from customers as well as personal research.
Ayres’ daughter, Debbie Sonandre, co-owner and buyer of Celtic Crossroads NW, says, “The book contains a wide array of Celtic information – things you might already know, but don’t know why you know them or how they’re connected to the Celts. It even includes phrases and word pronunciations. So it’s pretty in-depth.”
From the meaning behind ancient flags to the origins of common phrases, Ayres’ work offers more than cultural trivia – it’s a guide to uncovering forgotten knowledge, backed by serious research.
Join the conversation on May 15
To celebrate and share the insights from “Celtic Knowledge: A Primer,” Celtic Crossroads NW is hosting a special book event on Thursday, May 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. located at 380 Winslow Way.
Guests can look forward to a brief talk by Joe Ayres, followed by an open Q & A session. Light refreshments, tea and biscuits, will be served.
Ayres will also showcase his broader body of work, which includes more than 25 published titles, ranging from scholarly treatises to mystery novels. As a retired professor from Washington State University and leading researcher in communication studies, Ayres brings both academic depth and a storyteller’s charm to his writing.
“He’s done a series of books based on our family’s history of coming to the United States,” Sonandre says. “He just finished a series about a detective who solves mysteries. He’s been pretty prolific.”
Whether you’re a history buff, language lover or simply curious about the deeper layers of Celtic culture, this event offers a unique opportunity to meet the author, connect with the community, and walk away with fresh insight.
Join Joe and Debbie on May 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. at The Crossroads NW for a warm and welcoming morning of conversation. Joe will share insights from his latest book, answer audience questions, and offer a deeper look into his storytelling process. It’s a wonderful opportunity for readers to connect, listen, and engage with the author and his work.
