Description

Amra Choluim Chille: Dallán’s Elegy for Columba is a beautifully produced edition of one of the oldest and most significant works in Gaelic literature. Traditionally attributed to the sixth-century poet Saint Dallán Forgaill, the elegy was composed soon after the death of Saint Columba (Colm Cille) on the island of Iona in AD 597. Revered for both its literary brilliance and linguistic complexity, the Amra stands as one of the earliest datable texts in the Irish literary tradition and remains a cornerstone of early Celtic scholarship.

This authoritative edition, edited and translated by Professor P. L. Henry, is the first major scholarly edition since the nineteenth century. It presents the original Old Irish text together with translations into modern Irish, English, and Scottish Gaelic, allowing readers to appreciate the poem’s historical significance while making its rich imagery and spiritual depth accessible to a contemporary audience. The volume also includes an insightful introduction by Ciaran Carson, an afterword by Aodán Mac Póilín, and a Scottish Gaelic translation by Aonghas MacNeacail.

Enhancing the literary experience are the striking paintings of award-winning artist Brian Ferran and the elegant calligraphy of Donald Murray, transforming the book into both a scholarly resource and a work of art. Ideal for readers interested in Irish history, early Christian literature, Celtic studies, medieval poetry, and the legacy of Saint Columba, Amra Choluim Chille is an essential addition to any collection of Irish cultural and literary heritage.