Dear Leon, I I write tfrom the Burren in Co. Clare in Ireland. Firstly it has to be said that there are not too many books written on the history of Irish music...some of the best and most important are listed above. Can I add another to that short list. I had a book (Notes From The Heart- A Celebration of Irish Traditional Music (Poolbeg, Publ.) published here in Ireland 6 years ago and which covers various aspects of the history and development (recordings since the tuen of the century etc)and some musician profiles. While I dont claim that the book is the definitive written work, I think it makes for a good 'starter' for someone interested in the gen. history of the music. The book can be had from Ossian USA www.ossianusa.com. Good hunting. PJ Curtis.