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ABOUT THIS BOOK

PUBLISHER: Floris Books

FORMAT: Paperback

ISBN: 9780863155208

RRP: £20.00

PAGES: 684

PUBLICATION DATE:
September 1, 1992

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Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantations: Hymns and Incantations from the Gaelic

Alexander Carmichael

John MacInnes

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.

Reviews of Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantations: Hymns and Incantations from the Gaelic

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

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Alexander Carmichael

Alexander Carmichael was born in 1832 on the island of Lismore. His work as a civil servant took him all over the Scottish Highlands and the Hebrides. During his travels he recorded these poems and prayers. Two volumes of the collection appeared before his death in 1912. The remaining volumes appeared later, edited by his daughter and grandson.