A vivid window into medieval Irish praise poetry, now printed from the original Irish manuscripts for the first time.
This edition presents the Amra Choluim Cille, a learned poem about Colum Cille, paired with an editor’s introduction that situates the work in its historical world. The text surveys the poet Dalian Forgaill’s craft, the poem’s purpose, and the moments that shaped its creation.
The introduction explains who Colum Cille was, the disputes he faced, and how the Amra came to be written and preserved. It also describes the scholarly notes and interpretation that help modern readers understand the古 language, antiquated forms, and the cultural context of early Irish poetry. Readers will gain a sense of the poem’s religious and political stakes, as well as the enduring reverence for Colum Cille in medieval Irish literature.
- Insights into the life and legendary deeds of Colum Cille as seen through the poem and its notes.
- An accessible guide to the language, style, and historical references in the Amra.
- Context on the manuscript tradition and the editors’ approach to translation and commentary.
- Connections between early Irish poetry, church history, and medieval scholarship.
Ideal for readers of Irish history, medieval poetry, and linguistic history who want a window into a pivotal era of Celtic literature.