Irish Folk Music: A Fascinating Hobby

Irish Folk Music: A Fascinating Hobby

Finally a full reprint of the book! This is not a facsimile like other versions out there. It's a complete reprint in a modern format which makes for a much easier to read book. Originally published in 1910, Irish Folk Music: A Fascinating Hobby by Francis O’Neill offers an invaluable glimpse into the world of traditional Irish music at a crucial moment in its history. More than a mere collector of tunes, O’Neill was a key figure in the early revival of Irish folk culture. His personal stories, cultural observations, and reflections on the musicians of his time make this book as engaging as it is historically important. Written during a period when many traditional melodies were in danger of being lost, this work captures the voices of the last generation of Irish musicians raised entirely in the oral tradition. From his post in Chicago, O’Neill chronicled the tunes and traditions of immigrant players who would become foundational to the preservation and revival of Irish music both at home and abroad. This reprint presents the original text in a clean, modern format with updated typography for improved readability—ideal for contemporary readers, musicians, and folklorists alike. It is both a tribute to the past and a resource for the future of Irish music.