The Irish have long been famed for their powerful traditional melodies, and three in this volume are surely amongst the finest. &--8216;Danny boy&--8217; (the melody of which is also known as &--8216;Londonderry Air&--8217;) was first published, without a title, in 1855. The words most commonly associated with it were written by an Englishman who apparently never set foot in Ireland! &--8216;The lark in the clear air&--8217; is an exquisite song celebrating the beauty of nature. The poignant words of &--8216;The last rose of summer&--8217; match the song&--8217;s mournful, drooping melody.