Voices and Poetry of Ireland - Tapa dura

A collection of Ireland's best-loved poetry with recordings by some of Ireland's best-loved figures.

Over the centuries, Ireland has produced an astonishing wealth of writers, from Oscar Wilde and Patrick Kavanagh to W B Yeats and Seamus Heaney. An island steeped in literary tradition and inspired by its dramatic landscape, history and people, its rich and colourful heritage is now celebrated in this unique compilation.

For the first time ever, over 100 of Ireland's best loved poems have been recorded by some of the most moving, resonant, subtle and memorable voices ever to have come out of Ireland and are featured in this beautiful book and CD collection. From Bono to Pierce Brosnan, Maeve Binchy to Richard Harris and Bertie Ahern to Bob Geldof, figures from every walk of Irish public life give their own unique slant on poems ranging from classics such as Padraic Colum's She Moved Through The Fair and Patrick Kavanagh's A Christmas Childhood to contemporary favourites like Seamus Heaney's The Rain Stick and Brendan Kennelly's God's Laughter.

As well as forming a living anthology of the best of Irish writing, the collection is also a reminder that words – both oral and written – make a difference, with all royalties going to Focus Ireland, one of the leading charities in Ireland working with and for people who are homeless.