Malachy McCourt: Danny Boy: The Legend of the Beloved Irish Ballad

By MARGIE THOMSON

"Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling ... " Those stirring words have been bellowed and squeaked by many a well-primed, teary-eyed gathering, straining for the high notes, since they were first penned by - can you believe it? - an Englishman in 1913. So much for romance.

Much mystery remains about this most poignant song, however, and McCourt makes good company as he takes us through the high and low roads of its evolution, in a story that mixes, in truly Irish fashion, history and folklore.

Running Press
$49.95