For a Celtophile like me it was a green joy to find a book that attempts to piece together the last part of the life of one of the most prolific Irish composers ever. Not enough is known of Turlough O'Carolan, but Charles Foran seems to have researched what there is. His music has left a forever legacy, and that at least cannot be denied--The Chieftains are the most famed example, but Dylan to Planxty to Bothy Band and innumerable others have left versions of O'Carolan's airs and planxties and other tunes to celebrate the great composer's talents. I wish I hadn't given my first ed. away, as I never knew if the recipient even read it. ( )