Book of the Dean of Lismore facts for kids
The Book of the Dean of Lismore (which in Scottish Gaelic is Leabhar Deathan Lios Mòir) is a very old handwritten book from Scotland. It was put together in the eastern part of Perthshire during the first half of the 1500s.
The main person who created this book was James MacGregor (Seumas MacGriogair). He was a church leader, known as the vicar of Fortingall and the Dean of Lismore Cathedral. That's why the book is named after him! Other people also helped write it, including his brother Donnchadh and William Drummond, who was a curate (another church role) in Fortingall. It's important to know that this book is different from another old Irish book also called the Book of Lismore.
Contents
What Makes This Book Special?
The Way It's Written
This old book is mostly written in a style called "secretary hand." This was a common way of writing in Scotland back then. It's different from the "corra-litir" style used for Gaelic writing in Ireland and other parts of Scotland. The spelling in the book is similar to how people wrote Lowland Scots, which was a popular language in Scotland during the Late Middle Ages. This was a usual way to write Scottish Gaelic at that time.
Many Languages Inside
Even though most of the book is in Gaelic, it's actually a mix of languages! You'll find many parts written in Scots and also in Latin. For example, it includes writings from famous Scots poets like William Dunbar (who died around 1530) and Robert Henryson (who died around 1500).
The book also mixes Gaelic and English words a lot. Many of the Gaelic texts originally came from Ireland. When it comes to bardic poetry (a special kind of old poetry), there are more Irish poems (44) than Scottish poems (21) in the book.
Who Owned the Book?
The people who likely paid for or supported the creation of this book were the Campbells from Glen Orchy. The book even includes some poems by Duncan Campbell (Donnchadh Caimbeul) of Glen Orchy himself! Today, this important book is kept safe at the National Library of Scotland. You can even view a digital version of it online!
Poems by Women
The Book of the Dean of Lismore is also special because it contains poems written by at least four women. One of these was Aithbhreac Nighean Coirceadail, who lived around 1460. She wrote a sad poem for her husband, who was in charge of Castle Sween.
The book also has three poems by Iseabail Ní Mheic Cailéin. She was the daughter of Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, who passed away in 1493.
See also
- Fernaig manuscript
- Islay Charter
