The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #116330   Message #2497775
Posted By: johnny mc
19-Nov-08 - 01:45 PM
Thread Name: (new) Songbook: Songs of Struggle and Protest
Subject: RE: songs of struggle and protest
This revised edition of Songs of Struggle and Protest is a collection of ten historical essays, each followed by the songs referred to in the text, together with an introduction by Irish historian Francis Devine.

In Songs of Struggle and Protest the author gives the words and music of 45 songs, each placed in its historical context. His outline history starts in the eighteenth century, covers the French revolution and the rise of republicanism, through the hunger and emigration of nineteenth century Ireland to the violent beginnings of the labour movements.

He devotes special attention to Connolly and Larkin, giants of the Irish Labour Movement, and provides perspective on the socialist side of the Spanish anti-fascist war, the racial troubles of South Africa and North America and of course, the civil rights movement at home in Ireland.

It is a handsome publication with historical illustrations. Also included are a discography, bibliography and historical appendices on James Larkin and James Connolly and notes on the songs.