This book is a little like Ireland itself: A lot of potentially interesting stuff has been suppressed.

As a source of Irish songs, it is incredibly useful. Dozens of songs, mostly Irish although there are a few ringers, with melodies and chords and lyrics. All in a thin, highly portable package. I truly know no better book of Irish songs.

The only complaint I have is the lack of information about the songs. There are occasional comments about the background, but many songs have no notes at all. And there is no source information. So you don't know how old the song is, whose version it is, what part of Ireland it comes from. It makes it tough if someone asks you about the song.

It's a minor defect in a popular songbook. And it may have let them keep the price down a little, since they can perhaps treat a few copyrighted items as traditional. I wish the information were there. I'm glad to have the book even without it. ( )