This image is the cover for the book Duanaire Na Sracaire

Duanaire Na Sracaire

The definitive Gaelic-English anthology of medieval Scottish verse: an annotated treasure trove of literary history spanning a millennium.

Duanaire na Sracaire—or Songbook of the Pillagers—is the first anthology to bring together Scotland’s Gaelic poetry from c.600-1600 AD, a time when Scotland shared its rich culture with Ireland. It includes a huge range of diverse poetry: prayers and hymns of Iona, Fenian lays, praise poems and satires, courtly songs and lewd rants, songs of battle and death, incantations and love poems.

All poems appear with facing-page translations which capture the spirit and beauty of the originals and are accompanied by detailed notes. A comprehensive introduction sets the context and analyses the role and functions of poetry in Gaelic society. This collection will appeal to poetry lovers, Gaelic speakers and those keen to explore a vital part of Scotland’s literary heritage.

Wilson McLeod, 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.

Birlinn