Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantations from the Gaelic [Paperback]

Alexander Carmichael (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1994

The Carmina Gadelica is the most comprehensive collection of poems and prayers from the Gaelic tradition of oral poetry. Gathered by Alexander Carmichael, in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, 'from Arran to Caithness, from Perth to St. Kilda'. The poems had been handed down through the generations in a living oral tradition. This tradition and the way of life which sustained it have now disappeared but these poems and prayers live on to remind us of the faith of the unknown poets who composed them. Previously only available as a bilingual text in six volumes, this one-volume edition in English only is an important contribution to the wider awareness of Celtic literature. John MacInnes' introduction puts the poems in the context of the life and folklore of the Gaelic community.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This is a beautiful book ... to have for quiet moments and to use for teaching.' --Yoga Scotland, Jan 2007

Language Notes

Text: English

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Product Details

• Paperback: 687 pages
• Publisher: Floris Books; Revised edition (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863155200
• ISBN-13: 978-0863155208
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #451,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words, rites and customs, August 20, 2007

By 

J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantations from the Gaelic (Paperback)

For those interested in Gaelic literature, this collection of hymns and incantations is invaluable. The material contained includes a blend of pagan and Christian imagery and spirituality, and reflects the Gaelic oral tradition. The celtic knots and motifs are wonderful adjuncts to the text.

Alexander Carmichael (1832-1912) made this collection of 'old lore' over a period of 44 years in the second half of the 19th century. Without Mr Carmichael's efforts, it is possible that some, at least, of this material would have been lost forever.

Recommended to those who are interested in Gaelic literature as well as to those with a specific interest in the hymns and incantations.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, October 4, 2007

By 

Robert Mitchell (Kearney, NE United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantations from the Gaelic (Paperback)

This is an enormous and enormously diverse compilation of short and not so short prayers from a somewhat hidden part of our western tradition.

If your looking for texts that haven't been to set to music so often as, for instance, the ave maria, look here.

If your looking for a spell to ward off the evil eye, you can probably find that as well : )

If looking for a part of our cultural heritage not regularly reported in cultural histories, look here.

These English translations of Gaelic texts make a whole other world available to the linguistically challenged, like me. : )

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for Celtic Spiritual Practice, August 3, 2007

By 

Laoiseach - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantations from the Gaelic (Paperback)

Though Pagans may be put off by some of the Christian overlay in this book, it is an essential compendium of traditional Gaelic prayers, charms and incantations. You may need to go to the Library to find the Gaelic versions, but it is well worth your time.