First published in 1947, these celebrated lectures and introductions to the medieval and modern Gaelic-speaking culture, which was drawing to a close when Flower first came to Ireland in 1910, form a primary source for generations of scholars and readers, Celticists and medievalists. This edition is accompanied by Professor Delargy's In Memoriam and an updated bibliography of Flower's works. 'The Irish Tradition will perpetuate Robin Flower's memory among all educated Irishmen. It is the one book on Irish literature which can be recommended without reserve to everyone who wishes for a true, accurate and sympathetic account of a beauty that once permeated the lives of kings, monks and men of learning, but which now survives perilously only among the rocks and heather of the West.' - The Irish Times 'It has more knowledge and thought and light than almost any other modern book about Irish literature.' - The Irish Press 'Scholarly, knowledgeable and loving, these lectures provide a rare combination of intellectual satisfaction and plain enjoyment.' - Sean Dunne, Cork Examiner