Acair are delighted to announce the launch of their latest title which will be published this month.
We are thrilled to launch An Staran edited by Petra Johana Poncarová on Friday 28th February 2025, as part of World Gaelic Week. This is a collection of the late Derick Thomson’s work, brought together by Petra Poncarová, who has written extensively about his work.
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.
The compiler and editor of the collection, Dr Petra Johana Poncarová, is an academic writer and researcher whose focus is on Scottish Literature and Culture, including modern writing in Gaelic.
A special launch event will take place at Aros an Rubha. This will be held on Friday 28th February 2025 at 7pm, as part of World Gaelic Week. You can hear Petra talking about her book and her journey to writing it, a short interview with Catriona Dunn, and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions. A warm welcome awaits and entry is free.
Angus Morrison, Acair Manager, said: “We are thrilled to publish An Staran and celebrate Derick Thomson’s writing. Petra has worked hard to compile this work and Acair are hugely proud to publish this special book, particularly during World Gaelic Week. We were fortunate to receive funding from Point and Sandwick Trust and felt it was suitably appropriate to launch the book in the district of Point, where Derick was raised.”
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