Book launch - Sparks in the Firmament: A New Generation of Gaelic poets

Sradagan san Iarmailt: Ginealach Ùr Bhàrd Gàidhealach (Sparks in the Firmament: A New Generation of Gaelic poets) is the first new anthology of contemporary Gaelic poetry since 1991.

Edited by Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, the book is published by Francis Boutle.

Join us for the book launch at the University of Edinburgh hosted by Niall O'Gallagher, Gaelic Writer in Residence.

The event will open with Niall and Marcus in conversation, and include readings from seleted poets.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a start time of 7pm.

About the book

This wide-ranging anthology showcases the talented cohort of Gaelic poets who have come to prominence since the turn of the millennium. Contributors engage with political and social concerns, women's and LGBTQ identities, local, multicultural, and international perspectives, alongside explorations of history, cultural exchange, love, land and language. Their oeuvre spans free verse, vibrant re-imaginings of traditional poetry and song forms, nature poetry, urban lyrics and panegyrics.

This anthology builds on the legacy of earlier volumes edited by the late Donald MacAulay, Christopher Whyte, and Ronald Black. A new compendium introducing these sensitive and often radical voices to wider readerships through translation into English, Scots, and other European languages – often by the writers themselves and their peers, working in close creative collaboration.