Matheson Collection > Gaelic grammar, containing the parts of speech and the general principles of phonology and etymology, with a chapter on proper and place names

MACLAREN'S PUBLICATIONS.
By the Author of " Ellean mo Ghaoil."
Bard Bharabhais, Dain, Orain is Sgeuiachdan, le Domhnull
Macdhomhnuill, Gobha ann am Barabhas. Collected Poems,
Humorous Readings and Stories, of Donald Macdonald. Now
first published, 3/6 net (85 cents), postage 3d.
The songs and poems of Donald Macdonald, song-smith of Barvas, are well
tknown on the west side of Lewis, where the poet used to sing them at social
gatherings and entertainments. More than half the book is taken up with
prose stories and sketches in which are reflected in a whimsical way the
foibles and customs of young and old among the Islanders. Tlie poet's
humour is well exemplified in the "Song of Parliament," in which he dreams
he addressed the House of Commons in Gaelic with the result that several
members at once promised to rectify all differences in Lewis without further
delay. Macdonald's tales are of that lightsome sort which are bound to be
popular with all Gaelic readers. — " Aberdeen Daily Journal."
A meritorious volume of collected Gaelic songs, humorous readings and
stories ... A worthy addition to the literature of the Scottish Gael. —
" Glnsgow Citizen."
All lovers of Gaelic song and story will welcome this small' volume with
genuine pleasure. It will appeal especially to all patriotic Lewismen, who will
find the beauties of their " Island Belov'd " here set forth in all their subtle
charm. 'I'he very first poem contains verses which, for beauty of imagery,
melody of cadence, and sincerity of feeling, will convince the most fastidious
oritic that here at last is a real poet. We offer no apology for quoting from
■" Eilean mo Ghaoil ": —
" Tha uisgeachan min ri cireadh fuiltein nan gleann,
Fo bhilich an fhr.ioich tha gaoir is farum nan allt,
ITia osag na gaoith gu coibhneil thairis gach la
Air eiiean mo ghaoil; is caomh leam eilean mo ghraidh."
Celtic poets of all ages excelled in their descriptions of Nature, and the Barvas
Bard is no exception. He dotes on Nature in all her moods. He sees a
majesty and an inner meaning in all her phenomena. The Barvas Bard is
equally at home with the sportive muse. His humorous poems and sketches
remind one of the original Roman satire, which, as here, is often a medley
of prose and verse, and with humorous touch, exposes to genial ridicule the
Kimmon incidents of daily life. He is an inimitable story-teller. Those of us
who have not had the good fortune to hear him may still experience his charm
in the specimens included. The volume is printed in clear type, and is
unusually free from errors in orthography. — " Stornoway Gazette."
Macleod tells us that there was no more popular " turn " at a social gathering
in Lewis in byegone days than one of Macdonald's songs sung by himself. —
" Aberdeen I'Vee Press."
STILL ANOTHER LEWIS BARD.
Fear Siubhal nan Gleann, le Murchadh Mac Ille-Mhoire : A
collection of Gaelic songs by Murdo Morrison, late of Shader,
Lewis. Most of them printed for the first time ; two illustra-
tions, cloth bound, 3/6 net ; postage 4d. ($1).
Mr. Morrison, though, like so many of his fellow Islesmen, far away
from the land of his birth, has not forgotten it, and in this volume we have
a number of poems in which the exile note is very prominent. Mr. Morrison'?
muse leads him to the scenes of his childhood and teaches him to sing of
homely themes. Some of the poems are suffuied with a fine religious feeling.
In a short notice like this it is not possible to call attention to ths
individual poems, but there is one which, fo' its fine sentiment and spright-
iiress of diction, is worthy of special notice — An Luchag (The Moube). There
are also a number of Gaelic translations of such poems as " Man was
made to mourn," " Land of the Leal," " Scots wha Hae," etc. This is
a very difficult task and only one in a thousand is a born translatar of the
poetry of one language into another, but Mr. Morrison has done his work
very well.
Although these poems and song- make the strongest appeal to the
^jeople of Lewis, they will find an assured welcome wherever Gaelic is read.
The intense affection lavished upon each beloved landscape that has awakened
•the muse will awaken an echo in every Highland heart.
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