Forty-three poems have been chosen to illustrate the full range of verse from this turbulent century: work songs and rowing songs, political songs, of the clans, of anger, songs of grief. For the first time on record the song of the people bursts forth from the older medieval learned tradition. It shows the chief as warrior and hunter, surrounded in his torchlit hall by his drinking retainers and the sounds of gambling, harps and poets. In other songs, many composed by women, we hear of the hopes and disappointments of the people.
Poems are in Gaelic with English translations, and the melody for the songs is included where known. Extensive notes and a glossary accompany. |
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