Acair were delighted to launch their latest title on Friday (28.02.2025). An Staran, edited by Petra Johana Poncarová was launched as part of World Gaelic Week.
The book comprises a selection of the Gaelic prose writings of Prof Derick Thomson (1921 – 2012). As well as being one of the most important Gaelic poets of the 20th century, Thomson, as the publisher and editor of the quarterly ‘Gairm’, shaped the development of Gaelic writing in the post-war period.
As an anthology of short stories, essays, reviews, travelogues and other genres of writing, the book aims to showcase lesser known aspects of Thomson as a writer – for example his skilful use of language, sharp intellect, his commitment to Gaelic and to Scotland and his incisive wit. There is also a short biographical introduction to Thomson.
A special launch event took place at Aros an Rubha on Friday 28th February 2025, as part of World Gaelic Week. Attendees heard Petra Poncarova talking about the book and her journey to putting it together, as well as a short interview with Catriona Dunn, readings from Anne Frater and Ruairidh MacIver and there was also an opportunity to ask questions.
Petra Poncarova said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to launch An Staran in Àros an Rubha – in the community where Derick Thomson himself was raised, and to hear about the man himself and the connections between his writings and the area from local people. Thanks to the Point Historical Society, we had a bust of Thomson, his typewriter, and a pair of glasses – I had never seen any of his personal belongings before, and that was powerful. I was delighted that we had a lot of laughs with the stories and humorous bits – and that we remembered Thomson as a writer who was light-hearted and humorous, in addition to his other talents. I hope that readers will find something new in the book, something they did not expect from Thomson.”
Acair are grateful to Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Gaelic Books Council and Point and Sandwick Trust for their support and funding.
An Staran, 272 pages, Paperback, Acair, £12