This fascinating history charts the struggles and triumphs of Irish folk, trad, and blues musicians before the Irish music industry, and acts like U2, existed. Forgotten heroes and latter-day legends intertwine with honorary visitors who took a bit of Ireland with them, like Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie. The main focus of the book, however, is on the influence of homegrown pioneers, from Sweeney's Men in the 1960s to Horslips, De Danann, Anne Briggs, Rory Gallagher, and current groundbreakers like Martin Hayes. Anyone who owns even one Irish record will appreciate this book; anyone who owns a lot of Irish records will no doubt treasure it.