Few countries can match Ireland's musical reputation. Irish music simply captivates: from a small island on the fringes of an old continent to the vast Irish diaspora, from an aristocratic profession to a popular activity, from an essentially rural existence to urban enthusiasm, from small kitchens to world stages, from dance music to orchestral compositions, from seasoned Irish musicians to Japanese beginners, its capacity for adaptation knows no bounds.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the history of Irish music in a clear and accessible style, narrating its constant adjustments and revolutions, from an ancient tradition to its international influence today, through its constant recreation and preservation by enthusiasts and activists. With over forty years of passion for Ireland and its music, and from an outsider's perspective, the author attempts to fill a gap in the world of Irish studies by exploring the implications of how Irish music, dancing and singing have survived, century after century, continually placing the music in its social, political and historical context.

Erick Falc'her-Poyroux is a Professor of Irish and British studies at the University of Tours, France. He completed his PhD in 1996 on Ireland's musical identity, and he has translated or written several books on Ireland and on the Beatles.

He is the author of a documentary on Irish music in France and has collaborated with the French National Television Archives (INA) on a documentary on Irish dance. Ireland has been his second home since the 1980s.

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