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The Glendale Bards

A Selection of Songs and Poems by Niall Macleoid (1843-1913), 'The Bard of Skye', His Brother Iain Dubh (1847-1901) and Father Domhnall nan Oran (c.1787-1873)

Written by Meg Bateman , Anne Loughran , Norman Macdonald

£25.00

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SKU: 9781906566807 Categories: ,
ISBN: 9781906566807
Published: 11 Aug 2014
Format: Hardback
Extent: 416
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Imprint: John Donald
Categories:
Scottish gaelic
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About the Book

This book marks the centenary of Neil MacLeod's death in 1913 with the republication of some of his work. It also publishes for the first time all of the identifiable work of his brother, Iain Dubh (1847 - 1901), and of their father, Domhnall nan Oran (c.1787 - 1873). Their contrasting styles mark a fascinating period of transition in literary tastes between the 18th and early 20th centuries at a time of profound social upheaval. Neil Macleod left Glendale in Skye to become a tea-merchant in Edinburgh. His songs were prized by his fellow Gaels for their sweetness of sentiment and melody, which placed a balm on the recent wounds of emigration and clearance. They are still very widely known, and Neil's collection Clarsach an Doire was reprinted four times. Professor Derick Thomson rightly described him as 'the example par excellence of the popular poet in Gaelic'. However, many prefer the earthy quality of the work of his less famous brother, Iain Dubh.

This book contains 58 poems in all (32 by Neil, 14 by Iain and 22 by Domhnall), with translations, background notes and the melodies where known. Biographies are given of the three poets, while the introduction reflects on the difference in style between them and places each in his literary context.

An essay in Gaelic by Professor Norman MacDonald reflects on the social significance of the family in the general Gaelic diaspora.


The Author

Meg Bateman

Meg Bateman was born in Edinburgh in 1959. She lectures at Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, where she teaches literature and philosophy through the medium of Gaelic. She learned Gaelic in South Uist and the University of Aberdeen where she taught for many years. Her poetry is included in numerous anthologies such as the ‘Penguin Book of Scottish Verse’ and the ‘Penguin Book of Poetry from Britain and Ireland since 1945’. She has translated and co-edited anthologies of Gaelic medieval, 17th century and religious verse. Her two collections, ‘Aotromachd / Lightness’ and ‘Soirbheas / Fair Wind’, both published by Polygon, were shortlisted for the Scottish Book of the Year award in 1997 and 2007.