In this collection, Smyth (Cultural History, Liverpool John Moores University) addresses the centrality of music--particularly Irish traditional and "Celtic" music--and to the study of Irish culture. The author contends that traditional musicology is inadequate to the task of addressing the demands of Irish music, and his essays attempt to transcend these theoretical limitations. Topics range from the treatment of music in Joyce's short story "The Dead" to the politics of betrayal in the songs of Thomas Moore and the themes of rootedness and rootlessness in "Celtic" music. While Smyth's straightforward writing style makes this volume more accessible than many academic books, these essays will still be tough going for most non-specialist readers. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation 2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
