David Stifter’s Sengoídelc (SHAN-goy-thelg) provides a comprehensive introduction to Old Irish grammar and metrics. As an introductory text to the Irish language spoken around the eighth century C.E., this essential volume, covering all aspects of the grammar in a clear and intuitive format, is ideally suited for use as a course book or as a guide for the independent learner. This handbook also will be an essential reference work for students of Indo-European philology and historical linguistics. Stifter leads the novice through the idiosyncrasies of the language, such as initial mutations and the double inflection of verbs. Filled with translation exercises based on selections from Old Irish texts, the book provides a practical introduction to the language and its rich history. Sengoídelc opens the door to the fascinating world of Old Irish literature, famous not only for the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cúailnge) and its lyrical nature poetry but also as a major source for the political and legal history of Ireland. Stifter’s step-by-step approach and engaging style make his book an ideal tool for both the self taught individual and the classroom environment. It will be of interest to beginning students of Old and Middle Irish, to scholars of Irish history, Celtic culture, and comparative linguistics, and to readers of Irish literature.

This established reference work is a valuable addition to the library of any Old Irish scholar and an indispensable aid for students learning Old Irish. It includes verbal paradigms for more than 50 verbs, listing both attested and reconstructed forms. Old Irish Verbs and Vocabulary also includes both Old Irish - English and English - Old Irish vocabulary sections, a perfect complement to E.G. Quin's Old-Irish Workbook. It is both more affordable and easier to use than the Royal Irish Academy's comprehensive Dictionary of the Irish Language.

OLD/MIDDLE IRISH LANGUAGE, MEDIEVAL IRISH LITERATURE, TEXTUAL STUDIES.