Book excerpt: An Lasair (The Flame) is a colorful new anthology of over sixty poems from one of the most dynamic periods of Gaelic literature. Arranged chronologically and edited with facing translations by Ronald Black, these poems, composed in a range of forms and styles, span the whole gamut of human experience, from politics, religion and war to love, sex and domestic life. Together they form a rich celebration of Gaelic culture and provide a fascinating insight into the passions and preoccupations of the Highland people during a turbulent period of their history. The poems are laid out in facing page translation with full notes and a substantial introduction and commentary. Among the poets included are Neil MacVurich, Dugald Buchanan, Duncan Macintyre, John MacCodrum, Alexander MacDonald, Rob Donn, Mary MacPherson and William Ross.