Nua-Bhardachd Gaidhlig = Modern Scottish Gaelic Poems: A Bilingual Anthology

Canongate Classics #56

by Donald MacAulay (Introduction), Derick S. Thomson, Somhairle MacGill-Eain

This indispensable anthology contains selections of the best work by Scotland's most acclaimed modern Gaelic poets: Sorley Maclean, George Campbell Hay, Iain Crichton Smith, Derick Thomson, and Donald MacAulay. Designed as much for English readers of Gaelic, the poems are presented with line-for-line translations. These translations have been made by the poets themselves, thereby maximizing the retention of the spirit and form of the originals.

Genres: Poetry, Scotland, Nonfiction, Anthologies

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1976

Reviews

[John Farebrother · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and rich collection of the most celebrated works of Gaidhlig Scotland's leading modern poets. The revival in Gaidhlig poetry was led by Sorley Maclean, whose works feature first in the book. He sought to combine the traditional verse and subject matter of Gaidhlig culture with the modern-day experience of the Gaidheals, such as his experience of WWII. This captures the essence and the dilemma of modern life in the Gaidhealtachd - how to preserve their language and culture, while participating in the modern world, dominated as it is by English. But beyond this clash of civilisations lies a world of beautiful, evocative language, descriptions of the landscape of the Highlands and Islands, the fate of this people since the Clearances, and the more common but no less vital subjects of love and destiny. A must for anyone interested in Celtic issues, and more widely in modern poetry.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare that I will deign to buy or read a book of poetry. Only the best that speaks to my soul will I purchase - so that I can read and reread their poems. This book qualifies. What makes Modern Scottish Gaelic Poems unique is its exploration of separation of the Gaelic writers from home in a modern era. To anyone familiar with the culture, it will be understood that the intimacy of "home" is as deeply rooted in the language itself as much as it is in the hillsides and shores of the Scots' native land.

Do not underestimate the power of the written word - and do not underestimate the Scot, ancient or modern; his voice is fresh and new in every age - whether at the home of his past, or at shores of a new world.

Written in Scots Gaelic with parallel translations in English, this book is a must read for all who love Scottish culture, excellent poetry, and a fresh and inspiring look at the life we all share.

Five Stars * * * * *

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. A true insight into the poetic mind of the Gael, and how the language could allow an English speaker to see the word and frame his/her relationship with it in a different way.

Will be re-reading this more as I continue to engage with Scotland and her people, and become more familiar with the Gaelic tongue.

[Inko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I don't usually read poetry that often, there were some in here that struck a chord in me that made have to think about what the author could have meant at the time writing it - but also applying it to myself and what it means to me in my own interpretation. I had picked this book up from the library since it was one of the only few books they had in the Gaelic language. I loved comparing the English and Gaelic text to try and "soak" in the Gaelic language to understand it a tad bit better.

Of course, there were a lot of poems that left me a bit confused since the words were painting a picture - but that is the beauty of poetry isn't it?

[Robyn Lowrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nua-Bhardachd Gaidhlig is a beautiful anthology of works by Scotland's most acclaimed Gaelic poets. The bilingual, English/Modern Scottish Gaelic, allows one to enjoy the verse in translation while learning some Gaelic along the way. My favorite poet is Sorley Maclean, who infuses this nation's rich history into verse. My sister-in-law bought this for me on her recent trip to Wales, a treasure indeed!