Bardic poets and the early modern world

This talk considers the place of the Irish bardic poet in the broader context of early modern Europe, c. 1500-1700. Much has changed over recent years in our understanding of both elements of this comparison: the social and political roles of the Irish court poet and the revolutionary changes associated with Europe's transition from the medieval age to the modern one. Drawing upon elements of that exciting new research, this presentation will explore "European" aspects of Gaelic literary and court life and consider ways in which an Irish-language perspective sheds light on major historical shifts affecting people and populations across the Continent and beyond.