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Welcome to our curated collection of books about the Camino de Santiago! Whether you’re a seasoned pilgrim or planning your first journey, these books will enhance your understanding and experience of this historical pilgrimage. From the 12th-century guide, the “Codex Calixtinus”, to contemporary guides like “The Camino Ingles: 6 days to Santiago”, we’ve selected these works for their detailed insights into the Camino routes, practical advice for the journey, and cultural richness. Dive in to prepare, inform, and inspire your Camino adventure! There have been so many books written about the Camino that we cannot possibly list them all here. Instead here are a few selected favourites for you to enjoy before and during your Camino Adventure!
Codex Calixtinus
The Codex Calixtinus, also known as the Book of St. James was written in the mid-12th century, the Codex Calixtinus comprises five books and two appendices, with each book containing different topics related to Saint James and the pilgrimage to Santiago.
The first book, written by Pope Callixtus II, details the life and good deeds of Saint James, one of Jesus Christ’s closest disciples. It also serves as a guide to the Camino de Santiago, recounting the challenges faced by Saint James and his apostles.
The second book, “The Book of Miracles,” discusses the 22 miracles attributed to Saint James, including his witnessing of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor and Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
The third book describes the process of transferring Saint James’ body from Jerusalem to Galicia after his martyrdom, with the scallop shell becoming a symbol for the pilgrimage due to its association with this event.
The fourth book recounts the history and accomplishments of King Charlemagne, including his journey to Spain, the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, and his interactions with Saint James.
The fifth book is a guide for pilgrims, providing practical information about the Camino de Santiago, such as where to eat, tourist attractions to visit, and places to avoid. It also describes Santiago de Compostela city and cathedral, and includes some of the earliest Basque words used in the post-Roman era.
You can still find the original 12th Century Medieval Pilgrims Guide, The Codex Calixtinus in print. It is a popular book and still in print. Surely the must-have guide for any Camino Pilgrim?
Camino Guide Books
Of course, what would we do without modern guides to walking the Camino? Here is a small collection for detailed knowledge on each of the Camino routes.
The Camino Ingles: 6 days to Santiago
The book “Camino Inglés: 6 Days to Santiago” by Susan Jagannath is a guidebook for those interested in walking the Camino Inglés route to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. The book provides detailed information about the route, including maps, daily distances, accommodation options, and cultural and historical sites along the way.
The book begins with an introduction to the Camino Inglés, including its history and significance as a pilgrimage route. The author then provides practical advice on how to prepare for the journey, including tips on equipment, fitness, and cultural norms to be aware of.
Buy now!The main body of the book is divided into six chapters, each covering one day of the walk. Each chapter includes detailed information on the distance to be covered, the terrain and scenery, and recommended accommodation options. The author also provides suggestions for places to eat and drink along the way, as well as highlights of notable cultural and historical sites.
The book concludes with a section on tips for completing the journey successfully, including advice on interacting with other pilgrims and locals, and how to handle common challenges and setbacks.
Overall, “Camino Inglés: 6 Days to Santiago” is a well-organized and comprehensive guidebook that provides valuable information for those interested in walking the Camino Inglés route. The author’s personal anecdotes and observations add an engaging and relatable touch to the book.
Reviews
"I found this book to be incredibly helpful in preparing for my Camino Inglés journey. The author's advice and recommendations were spot-on, and her personal stories and insights made the journey feel more meaningful and memorable."
"As a first-time pilgrim, I was a bit nervous about the journey, but this book gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to complete it successfully. The author's writing style is engaging and informative, and I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in walking the Camino Inglés."
"The maps and information provided in this book were invaluable during my Camino Inglés journey. I particularly appreciated the author's insights into the cultural and historical significance of the route, which added a deeper layer of meaning to the experience."