Book excerpt: This book is the first major study of the Gaelic song tradition in an area which was the main center of literature in Leath Chuinn (the northern half of Ireland) from the end of the 17th century to the middle of the 19th century. Written in English, it gives text, source music, and the translation of 54 songs - mainly vision poems, laments, courtly love songs and the songs of the people. The collection includes material from recently discovered music manuscripts, which are reconnected here to their original texts. The catalogue section includes facsimile copies of unpublished dance tunes. As both a researcher and traditional singer, Ní Uallacháin gives a unique insight into her native Gaelic song tradition.