Eiseirigh na Seann Chanain Albannaich no, An Nuadh Oranaiche Gaidhealach

A collection (39 Poems) of Alastair Donullach's poetry with a prefatory memoir in English by Donald Mackinnon.

Donullach's poetry is characterized by its use of complex metaphors, wordplay, and allusion. He often used classical allusions to reference works from the Greek and Roman literary traditions, as well as biblical allusions to draw on the stories and themes of the Old and New Testaments. His poetry is also known for its use of intricate rhyme schemes and meter, as well as its musicality. Many of his poems were set to music and were meant to be sung or recited in a musical style known as "puirt-a-beul" (mouth music).

Alastair Donullach, better known as Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair, was a prominent Scottish Gaelic poet who lived during the 18th century. He was born in the Isle of Lewis in 1695, and was raised in a family of bards and poets.

He studied at the University of Edinburgh and became a schoolteacher, but he continued to write poetry in his native Gaelic language throughout his life. His poetry often dealt with themes of love, nature, and politics, and he was known for his use of complex metaphors and wordplay.

One of his most famous works is the long poem "An Airce," which tells the story of a man who goes in search of a mythical island of wealth and happiness. He also wrote satirical works, including "Mòr-Fhògradh," a poem that criticizes the Presbyterian Church for its strict moral codes.

Despite his literary talents, Alastair Donullach faced many difficulties in his personal life, including financial struggles and the loss of his wife and children. He died in 1770 at the age of 75, but his poetry continues to be celebrated as a significant contribution to Scottish Gaelic literature.

• According to legend, Alastair Donullach was once challenged to a poetry contest by a rival poet. The two men took turns reciting verses, but when it was Alastair's turn, he suddenly broke into a Gaelic song and danced around the room. His opponent was so impressed that he conceded the contest on the spot.

• Alastair Donullach was known for his love of nature and spent much of his time walking in the hills and forests of Scotland. According to one story, he was once caught in a rainstorm and took shelter in a cave. While he waited for the storm to pass, he noticed a spider spinning a web and was inspired to write a poem about the delicate beauty of the natural world.

• In addition to his poetry, Alastair Donullach was also a skilled musician and played several instruments, including the harp. According to one account, he once played his harp so beautifully that a nearby waterfall stopped flowing to listen to the music.

• Alastair Donullach was a staunch supporter of the Jacobite cause, which sought to restore the exiled Stuart dynasty to the throne of Scotland and England. During the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, he wrote several poems in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the leader of the rebellion, and even served as a messenger for the Jacobite army. However, after the rebellion was defeated, he was forced to go into hiding to avoid being arrested for treason.

Overall this small pocket edition from 1874 is in good condition with a strong binding. The untitled cover boards are clean with just a small hole in the top spine area and some gentle bumping along the edges.

Inside the pages are often heavily annotated in pencil by a previous owner. However it is our opinion that this adds to the historical authenticity of this book and we have decided to leave them for fear of damaging the pages. There is a an Ex-libris book plate - R. A. Neil dated 1901.

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