The Penguin Book of Irish Poetry

The Penguin Book of Irish Poetry features the work of the greatest Irish poets, from the monks of the ancient monasteries to the Nobel laureates W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney, from Jonathan Swift and Oliver Goldsmith to Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, along with a profusion of lyrics, love poems, satires, ballads and songs.

Reflecting Ireland's complex past and lively present, this collection of Irish verse is an indispensable guide to the history, culture and romance of one of Europe's oldest civilizations.

In his introduction to this new Penguin Classics edition, Patrick Crotty explores the traditions of poetry in Ireland, and relates the rich variety of the poems to the long and frequently troubled history of the island.

This anthology spans centuries of Irish literary tradition, offering readers a comprehensive survey from medieval monastic verse through contemporary works. The collection balances well-known canonical poets with lesser-known voices, providing both historical depth and cultural breadth. Readers can expect to encounter various poetic forms and themes that reflect Ireland's linguistic heritage, political struggles, and cultural identity. The editorial introduction provides helpful context for understanding how Irish poetry has evolved alongside the nation's complex history.