"Glassie has captured the authentic tang of the Ulster countryman's speech, laconic with surprising shots of hyperbole. . . . A beautifully produced book."--Irish Independent
Summary
For the general reader as for the folklorist, this is a fascinating, vivid, and sensitive account that, through its portraits of individuals and of a community, offers a unique insight into a folk custom of the Christmas season.
Table of Contents
Bright Waters, Green Isle: A Preface
Acknowledgments Four Conversations--Ellen
Cutler: I Loved to See the Mummers Come--Hugh Nolan
I'll Tell You the Way It Was--Peter and Joseph Flanagan
A Little Entertainment--Michael Boyle
We Used to Mum in Our Country
Rhyme and Reason
Survival: The Ould Customary Thing
Geography: A Custom in These IslandsPerformance: Go in with a Vengeance
Meaning: The Performance of the Season
Function: To Bring Unity amongst ThemEnvoi
Fare Thee Well for a While Glossary
Bibliography
Notes
Index
