The school where I’m teaching gave me a $25 gift certificate for a local bookstore as a Christmas present. I figured it would be appropriate to get something related to music, and while browsing the music section, came across “Celtic Music: A Complete Guide” by June Skinner Sawyers. It’s not a tune book, but a history of the music of the various Celtic peoples and nations, and it’s really fascinating reading if you like that sort of thing (I do).
I was tickled in the first chapter by the author’s attempt to define what she means by “Celtic Music,” as she mentions some of the things that have come up here (such as the hijacking of the word “Celtic” by New Agers).
Anyway, it’s a good book if you enjoy exploring the background and development of things, so I thought I’d pass this along. It’s well-written too…not at all dry.
Thanks for the suggestion. I got a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble for Christmas,myself, and have been wondering what to get. I doubt they’d have it readily in stock, but I wonder if they’d be able to order it for me…
Their website lists it. I can’t order stuff online, however. Do you know if, because its on their website, they could order it to the store for me?
Speaking of good books, for Christmas, my Mom got me ‘An Introduction to Celtic Mythology’ (comes complete with neat stories, old artwork pics, ect), and she got me ‘A Guide to Tolkein’s World;’ the Tolkein one is great!! Comes with maps, pics… it’s like an encyclopedia of everything Tolkein.
Mom also got me The Chieftain’s 40 Year Celebration CD, and Gaelic Storm’s Herding Cats. My Boyfriend got me LOTR Soundtrack: The Two Towers. They know me so well.
If you’re familiar with the Rough Guide series, you know what this is. It’s got background on the music, biographies of players, and critical discography by instrument.
I love this book. A bunch of related essays by Belfast poet and flute player Carson on the music, the people, and the tradition. Not a reference – pure entertainment with a healthy dose of motivation, and one that’s hard to put down.
A basic approach to the history and circumstances of Irish folk music, Breathnach takes a strict interpretation of “folk” here. It’s a bit of a dry read, but it’s all readable and nicely sets up the historical background for the music.
A story of the author’s journeys through Ireland, nicely mixing the music, politics, life and countryside. Funny and observant, this’ll make you want to grab your own bike and whistle and get on a plane.
[ This Message was edited by: rich on 2003-01-04 15:38 ]
This is a pretty good book. The only caveat I would have is that there is a lot of poetry in this book. The essays are great, but if you are not into poetry (I am not) then a good portion of the book is kind of a waste.
On 2003-01-04 19:45, Rando7 wrote:
The only caveat I would have is that there is a lot of poetry in this book.
I concur with Rich, but apart from songs quoted in the text I don’t think there was much in the way of poetry and certainly not a lot. The book approaches the the subject in a personal way, it is not a textbook but it’s full of insight and humour. It’s a great read.
Redwolf, I got the same book (Complete Guide) from half.com 6-8 months ago (I believe from the recommendation of someone here on the board) and have read it a couple of times. Very interesting reading. It’s solidified some of my thoughts about trad music evolving over time and that change is not always a bad thing.
Susan
I concur with Rich, but apart from songs quoted in the text I don’t think there was much in the way of poetry and certainly not a lot.
(Re: Last Night’s Fun) Maybe I am using the term poetry incorrectly. Many stories and quotes are presented in such a way as to suggest verse, some with defined stanzas. A couple of chapters are entirely in this style. Many people will find this style highly enjoyable, while others may not.
Last Night’s Fun is a great read. The author’s name alone got a chuckle out of me. His explanation of the Ulster fry is dead-on. Two more good ones are “Stone Mad For Music” by Donal Hickey (a good book on the music of Sliabh Luachra) and “A Harvest Saved” by Francis O’Neill.
Not an Irish read, but a good historical one that hubby gave me for Xmas-“The Island of Lost Maps” by Miles Harvey. Pretty facinating stuff, particularly for history and map buffs.
Also good-Round Ireland in Low Gear by Eric Newby. Very Very DRY and funny.
Yeah, I’m also waiting for Bill Bryson to do an irish book.
Redwolf, I have that book and I agree that it is most enjoyable reading..I have learned so much from it.
Another book I have just read (in the humourous vein) is ‘McCarthy’s Bar: A Journey of Discovery in Ireland.’ The author, Pete McCarthy, visits pubs in Ireland called McCarthy’s! Well written!
I can only agree with Rich’s suggestions (Last Night’s, Folk Music and Dances, and the Rough Guide) but I have to speak out against Skinner. Proceed with caution – it has some interesting moments, especially about things Scottish, but for the most part it is riddled with mistakes, especially about the Irish tradition. Some real howlers, too, as I recall – the “buachaildeas” (my ever patient husband) began to fear for his life, so often did I fling it across the room! If you are really interested in something the explores the problematic “Celtic” realm, “Celtic Tides” is a better bet, actually, in spite of it’s lack of scholarly veneer.
I can only agree with Rich’s suggestions (Last Night’s, Folk Music and Dances, and the Rough Guide) but I have to speak out against Skinner. Proceed with caution – it has some interesting moments, especially about things Scottish, but for the most part it is riddled with mistakes, especially about the Irish tradition. Some real howlers, too, as I recall – the “buachaildeas” (my ever patient husband) began to fear for his life, so often did I fling it across the room! If you are really interested in something the explores the problematic “Celtic” realm, “Celtic Tides” is a better bet, actually, in spite of it’s lack of scholarly veneer.
