Description
North Uist Historical Society, 1995 Paperback, 199 pages, edited by Fred Macaulay.
The poetry of Donald MacDonald (1887-1967) is admired not only on his native island of North Uist but wherever Gaels are to be found. This second, extended edition of his work contains much extra background material, new photographs and a complete parallel translation of all the poems/songs – over sixty in all. They cover a wide range. There is the vivid, sometimes desperate poetry that was wrung from Dòmhnall Ruadh by the horror and pathos of the First World War, there is the pithy, often humourous celebration of the natural world; and latterly there is the awareness – sometimes troubled, sometime serene – of the approach of old age and death.</p
No translation can replicate the rich variety of sounds and rhythms on offer in the Gaelic, but for those not familiar with the language, the English versions will give a good insight into the work of a fine man and a consumate poetic craftsman.
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