Popular Rhymes and Sayings of Ireland

John Johnson Marshall (1862-1944) was born and grew up near the Dyan in County Tyrone. He was a draper by trade and spent the greater part of his working life at the Robinson and Cleaver department store in Donegall Square, Belfast. He was also a passionate amateur historian who published a number of books and pamphlets on Irish local history. In "Popular Rhymes and Sayings of Ireland" he examines the origin of a variety of rhymes and sayings that were at one time in vogue around different parts of the country, including those which he recalled from his own childhood in Tyrone. Numerous riddles, games and charms are recounted, as well as the traditions of the 'Wren Boys' and Christmas Rhymers. Other chapters describe the war cries of prominent Irish septs and the names by which Ireland has been personified in literature over the centuries.

Marshall kept a record of material that was "classed as rubbish by his wiser seniors" and the world is indebted to him for leaving an invaluable resource for those interested in Irish social history.

This new edition, with reset text, includes explanatory endnotes on vocabulary used and other points of interest.