A Celtic Psaltery: Being Mainly Renderings in English Verse from Irish & Welsh Poetry

"A Celtic Psaltery" by Alfred Perceval Graves is a collection of English verse renderings from Irish and Welsh poetry, written during the early 20th century. This extraordinary compilation connects the modern reader to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Celtic traditions, focusing on religious and serious themes from early Irish and Welsh literature. The opening of the work introduces the dedication to David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Ireland, and outlines the contents of the volume. Graves explains that the first half features translations from Irish poetry, which explore the emergence of Christianity and its impact on early Irish spirituality. He highlights notable figures such as King Cormac and various saints, providing insights into their teachings and poetic expressions, often rich with humor and wisdom. The discussion of metrical forms and the challenges Graves faced in translation indicates his dedication to preserving the spirit and musicality of the original texts, providing a thoughtful context for the poems that follow.