Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Big Tim
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 06:02 AM

Thanks belfast, I really appreciate that.

Alice, a signed copy is in mid-air to you in Montana at this very minute!

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Alice
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 08:11 AM

Any chance we can get autographed copies from you?

Thanks.

Alice

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: belfast
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 07:20 AM

This is an absolutely wonderful book and no one will be disappointed with it. For those with any interest at all in the songs and music of these islands it is a "must have". Previous postings have already made clear what a well-researched piece of work we have here but seldom has good research being presented in such a readable form for it is a very readable and entertaining piece of work   As well as all that knowledgeable stuff about the origins and history of the songs there are little bits, such as a brief description of his visit to the Orange museum in Loughall or the final couple of pages where he describes the monument to Ferghal O'Hanlon and Sean South, which are a pleasure to read.

And mention should be given to "Beyond the Pale" not just for publishing the work but also for making such a good-looking book. A great production all round.

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Big Tim
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 05:52 AM

"One Blue Hill" - no way! Growing up there we were taught that it meant "green hill", so even if it doesn't, that's what it will always signify for me.

The title was also inspired by the Oysterband song "One Green Hill" -

"There's nothing for your comfort in the place where I was born,
someone's got the roses, cause my people got the thorns,
my people are the poor ones, their country made of stones,
their wealth is in persistence, in stories and in bones

And one green hill, one green hill,
one far green hill we carry everywhere..."

Thank you Johnny Jones.

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 09:31 PM

Gaelic is a bit different; glas is grey or pale, occasionally azure; but also green (particularly where applied to vegetation, hills and the like). It is the second part of my own name.

Oh dear; another book I am going to have to buy!

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 09:11 PM

Big Tim: "One Green Hill" a translation of "Crockglass" ? That means it varies from the Welsh, where 'Glas' is 'blue', not green.
'Craiglas' would be 'blue stone', or 'blue hill' though.

Nigel

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Big Tim
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 12:05 PM

Thanks again guys, I just hope you're not disappointed after all this hype. There's nothing political re the title "One Green Hill", it's just a translation of "Crockglass", the townland in Donegal where I was born and spent my formative years.

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: GUEST,Seamus Brogan
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 09:49 AM

Can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Well done to Big Tim and thanks to John Moulden.
Seamus

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 07 Jun 03 - 07:29 PM

Last post was from me - I've just done a purge of cookies and ditched one too many.

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jun 03 - 08:11 AM

Two copies ordered, on the strength of John's assessment! (Along with two other books from that site.)

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Big Tim
Date: 07 Jun 03 - 03:14 AM

JM - you're too kind, now people will be expecting too much! - BUT can I use your comments for advertising and publicity!

wr - the book hasn't yet spread beyond Ireland's shores, or yet entered the national bibliographical system - hence Borders not being able to trace the ISBN. Buy it online and save yourself £3. As it happens, I was in Borders in Glasgow yesterday and left a copy with the Manager. She seemed very interested and spoke of a possible "event" - a reading and signing. We'll see...If it happens you must drive along the M8...we might be looking for a singer/guitarist!

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Áine
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 09:42 AM

Maith thú, Big Tim!

I'll definitely be getting a copy -- and with recommendations from the likes of John Moulden and Martin Ryan, I know you've done an excellent job.

All the best, Áine

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: GUEST,John Moulden
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 09:08 AM

I don't hink I'll be in Miltown but I will have copies.

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 08:45 AM

John

Can I take it you'll have copies in Miltown?

Regards

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: GUEST,John Moulden - again Cookieless
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 07:47 AM

I've been waiting for the Mudcat to return precisely because I wanted to post a complimentary notice about "One Green Hill."

It was a pleasure to go to the launch and meet Big Tim and talk to him about the book and its construction. He is very modest about his accomplishment - he lives in Scotland and his research had to be done by driving furiously from one place to another while having "holidays" in Ireland. As it is, except for one place - the one he mentioned - his research has been exemplary. The book is also highly readable - much more so than anything I would have written; I would have been plumbing the historical depths. The one place where he made errors of fact - in the Dolly's Brae Story - the evidence is that there were far fewer Catholics killed than is usually said (but in much more disgraceful circumstances)and several Orangemen were wounded and one later died. Big Tim's error is only the one that everybody who has ever written about the incident has made; he, not being able (as I was) to go to original material) - was misled.

Well done John (Big Tim

JOhn Moulden

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: GUEST,weerover
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 04:36 AM

Sorry I couldn't make it to the launch Big T, I'm sure it was a grand day. I tried to order the book last week from Borders Books but their system didn't recognise the ISBN. If anyone has similar problems, I e-mailed btpale.com and they tell me I can get it direct from them.

wr

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: MartinRyan
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 03:09 AM

Good luck with it - I look forward to the read!

Regards

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Big Tim
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 02:59 AM

Thanks folks. Early days so far but early reviews encouraging. "Derry Journal" - "as entertaining as it is scholarly". "Donegal Democrat" -"a fantastic new publication...achieves the difficult task of combining erudite scholarship and great entertainment". Well, that's a bit strong, but hits on precisely what I was aiming for: a good read, but as accurate as possible and as unbiased as I could make it.

I'll be reading excerpts at the West Belfast Festival on 3 August: can any of you guys make it? All the best, BT.

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Alice
Date: 05 Jun 03 - 08:54 AM

Great news, Tim. Thanks for letting us know.

Alice Flynn

Subject: RE: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Jun 03 - 05:57 AM

Blicky

Subject: Big Tim's Book on Irish Songs out now
From: Big Tim
Date: 05 Jun 03 - 04:47 AM

Another piece of shameless Mudcat self-promotion coming up! My book on Irish songs has just been published. It's called "One Green Hill: journeys through Irish songs". Details and blurb available at www.btpale.com then "new books".                                                            

The launch was in the An Culturlaan Irish Centre in the Falls Road in Belfast last Friday (30 May). I'm happy, and very relieved, that John Moulden, who had an advance copy, made some complimentary remarks (and only one major disagreement of fact). That great Belfast soul singer Brian Moore was also there and sang some of the songs from the book, including, "The Man From God Knows Where", "Henry Joy" and "Dolly's Brae". Get your copy while stocks last!