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

by Alexander Carmichael (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

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

Product Description
Carmina Gadelica is the most complete anthology of Celtic oral tradition ever assembled. During his travels, Alexander Carmichael spent hours with peasants in their huts in front of peat fires listening as they "intoned in a low, recitative manner" these poems and prayers. This unique collection of living spirituality drawn from the depths of Celtic Christianity, represents a hidden oral tradition of great power and beauty, handed down through countless generations of Hebridean peasants.

Previously available only as a bilingual text in six volumes, this edition in English contributes to a broader awareness of Celtic literature in general. John MacInnes' introduction puts the poems in the context of the life and folklore of the Gaelic community.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 684 pages
• Publisher: Floris Books (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863155200
• ISBN-13: 978-0863155208
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #313,967 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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

4 of 5 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 (REAL NAME)

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. : )

4 of 5 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

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.