"The music of Ireland inspires in its listeners a passion that is rarely found in other forms." After pronouncing this truism, former Fleet Street journalist Farrington presents a thorough, if non-scholarly history of the varied forms of traditional Irish music, as well as the instruments involved, and noted performers and music preservers. She covers a lot of ground, including some Irish political history, Irish music's influence on contemporary music, and its current world-wide popularity as proven by "Riverdance." The book is definitely aimed at the novice, but admirably detailed. Includes many color photos (at least one of which is wrongly captioned, and many of which are of negligible value). Annual music festivals are listed by month. No index or references. Oversize: 9x12". Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or. Read Less