The Gaelic Finn tradition II
Sharon J. Arbuthnot, Síle Ní Mhurchú & Geraldine Parsons, editors
“This volume is an edited collection of essays, all of which focus on various approaches to and aspects of the Fenian tradition (Classical Gaelic Fiannaigheacht): a broad and heterogenous body of literary texts and oral traditions known throughout the Gaelic-speaking world from the early Middle Ages up until the present day ... The book is well laid-out and edited … The essays are accompanied by an index of first lines, a general index, list of abbreviations, and note on orthography; the latter will be useful for non-specialists for whom the diversity of Gaelic orthographies may be bewildering ... On the whole, the editors have done an admirable job of presenting a range of essays showing not only the scope of this body of tradition, but also the range of methodological approaches that can be deployed in the study of it. Like its predecessor, this volume will prove indispensable for both specialists and non-specialists interested in the Fenian tradition and its afterlives.” Gregory R. Darwin, The Journal of Folklore Research
“This book covers a wide range of time, locations, and topics, and thus provides an accurate reflection of the expansive and lasting influence of the narrative tradition surrounding Finn mac Cumaill ... The volume contains 14 articles, divided into three main parts: encounters with Acallam texts (five articles), texts and traditions in the pre-modern period (five articles), and collection and modern adaptation (four articles). The work compiled in this book reflects a renewed interest in narrative material related to Finn mac Cumaill and members of his fíana, and deservedly so. Many of these texts have not received a tremendous amount of discussion historically, which can lead to an undervaluation of these texts, particularly by scholars outside the field who might not be able to access or read the Irish material. It is, therefore, important that collections such as these see the light of day, as this will offer new insights and research opportunities for scholars both within and outside the field of Celtic studies ... The contributions in this book—supplemented by indices and a list of abbreviations—offer much to enjoy and ponder. They are a good representation not just of current research practices, but successfully capture the scope of fíanaigecht as a topic in general.” Ranke de Vries, North American journal of Celtic studies, Volume 7, Issue 2, Autumn 2023
“The Gaelic Finn tradition II, bears witness to the further development of fianaíocht studies as a field in its own right. It contains 14 essays (in English). The topics covered are broad in scope, ranging from the early to the modern periods, and drawing from both the Irish and the Scottish fianaíocht traditions. Unlike the first volume, which was arranged chronologically, the material here is organised thematically under three main headings: ‘Encounters with acallam texts’; ‘Texts and traditions in the pre-modern period’; and ‘Collection and modern adaptation’ ... The edition has been carefully edited and is meticulously presented. It includes a full bibliography, a list of contributors, an index of first lines, and a general index. A useful note on terminology is supplied at the outset. Overall, the editors are to be congratulated on what is a very fine and useful volume. Readers will eagerly await The Gaelic Finn tradition III” Deirdre Nic Chárthaigh, Besprechungen, 2023
