Bravery and activism during wartime are central themes in this compelling collection of essays and poems. It highlights the inspiring stories of individuals who confront adversity and fight for justice, showcasing their resilience and commitment to change. Through diverse voices and experiences, the work offers profound insights into the human spirit's capacity to endure and advocate for peace amidst conflict.
David Thomson was the author of the classic memoir Woodbrook (1976). He was a
Scotsman who became an honorary Irishman, writer, folklorist and radio
producer. He was described by his friend Seamus Heany as having a 'delicate
wildness'. Julian Vignoles' biography describes a talented man who shirked the
literati and drank with the London homeless.
This book is the Eurovision uncovered. For the first time, one of its insiders
reveals the inner workings of the Contest, the controversies and the key
players over the last ten years. He reveals the debates that led to changes in
the rules, and the political disputes behind the bright lights and glitter of
Europe's most popular TV show.
Rory Gallagher is revered as one of the world's greatest guitarists. He bounded across the stage with the swagger of a rock star, but offstage he was a shy, unassuming man. There were no wild parties, no marriages and divorces. His short life shifted between the bright lights of his success and the darkness of personal struggle. Gallagher was a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, singer and champion of blues music. His career began in an Irish showband, followed by four years as the central talent of Taste, one of the great Irish bands. He went on to even greater fame as a solo artist in the 1970s. Gallagher was dedicated to a steadfast musical vision, one that continues to burn brilliantly in rock history. Drawing on extensive interviews, Julian Vignoles casts new light on the familial, musical and other influences that inspired Gallagher, and on the complex personality that drove his career. He reassesses Gallagher's songwriting, often overlooked because of his dexterity as a guitarist. Crucially, Vignoles shows how many songs speak eloquently - and poignantly - about the person who penned them. Meticulously researched, this portrait is the insightful biography that Rory Gallagher deserves, as revelatory for his legions of loyal fans as for curious rock and blues enthusiasts.