This book, known as the 'Red Book of Clanranald' (pictured here closed), was the notebook of Niall MacMhuirich. It dates from the 17th century. A second book, the 'Black Book of Clanranald', also survives.
The book records a Gaelic view of 17th-century events which differs from the official accounts. It also includes elegies and praise poems to clan chiefs.
It was not until the 16th century that poetry and prose were written down to any great extent. The two Books of Clanranald are remarkable survivals which help us to understand people and events in a Gaelic perspective.
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