An Introduction to Gaelic Poetry (Paperback)

by Derrick Thomson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Introduces the reader to Gaelic poetry

About the Author

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press; 2nd edition (November 27, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0748601279
• ISBN-13: 978-0748601271
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,706,861 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than poetry, June 10, 2000

By	SHARRON GUNN (Vancouver, Canada) - See all my reviews

I and other students referred to "An Introduction to Gaelic Poetry" again and again while at university. Yes, it is an introduction to Gaelic poetry and song, but it contains copious information about Gaelic Scotland and its relationship to Gaelic Ireland. Readers will learn something about the history of the Scottish Highlands through the words of Highlanders themselves. Most books about the Highlands are written by outsiders and many are patronizing and hostile. The book begins with 'Bardic Poetry', the poetry of the professional poets who travelled freely between the houses of the Gaelic noblity in Scotland and Ireland. Following chapters deal with the major political events of the 16th-20th centuries: the "English" Civil War (the War of the Three Kingdoms), the Jacobite Rebellions, the clearances, and World Wars I & II. Alongside all this is the poetry of gentler times: women's songs, love songs and songs of exile. All poetry and songs have been translated into English and unfortunately no Gaelic except the titles has been published. People who would like to read the Gaelic originals would have to read books such as J.L. Campbell's "Highland Songs of the Forty-five". Recently a bilingual Gaelic and English anthology of Gaelic poetry of the 20th century has been publlished, edited by Ronald Black. "An Introduction to Gaelic Poetry" is a great book for anyone interested in the Scottish Highlands.