The Mountain of the Women

Memoirs of an Irish Troubadour

By: Liam Clancy

Narrated by: Liam Clancy

Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Following in the grand tradition of such Irish memoirs as Angela's Ashes and Are You Somebody?, Liam Clancy relates his life's story in a raucously funny and star-studded account of moving from provincial Ireland to the bars and clubs of New York City, to the cusp of fame as a member of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.

As an aimless 19-year-old, Clancy met a strange and wonderfully energetic lover of music, Ms. Diane Guggenheim, an American heiress. She had set out to record regional Irish folk music, and her undertaking led to Carrick-on-Suir in the shadow of Slievenamon, "The Mountain of the Women," where Mammie Clancy had been known to carry a tune or two in her kitchen. Guggenheim fell for young Liam and swept him along on her travels through the British Isles, the American Appalachians, and finally Greenwich Village.

In the heady atmosphere of the Village, Clancy's life was a party filled with music, sex, and McSorley's. His friendships with then-unknown artists such as Bob Dylan, Maya Angelou, and Pete Seeger form the backdrop of the charming adventures of a small-town boy making it big in the biggest of cities.

In music circles, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem are known as the Beatles of Irish music. The band's music plays on in jukeboxes in pubs and bars, in living rooms of folk music fans, and in Irish American homes throughout the country. Liam Clancy's lively memoir captures their wild adventures on the road to fame and fortune, and brings to life a man who never lets himself off the hook for his sins, and happily views his success as a blessing.

©2002 Liam Clancy (P)2002 Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"Entertaining...mirthful and funny...filled with fascinating sketches and portraits of the incredible arts scene in New York and Boston." (Publishers Weekly)
"An endearing and lively memoir." (Booklist, starred review)

great reading

It's a very big treat to have Liam Clancy read this himself, with his enjoyable brogue. There are short songs in between sections. His story is interesting in all parts. He grew up in a poor family and seems to remember a lot of vivid detail. He recounts how he came to the U.S. and some of the early stages of his career. His descriptiveness throughout is wonderful.

Liam is a story teller

This is a wonderful listen. Liam Clancy's Irish brogue is like music to your ears. His sorty is quite interesting too. It's no Angela's Ashes, but very enjoyable.

As good of a narrator as he is a singer.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Mountain of the Women to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version but I would have to assume that most definitely the audio version would be better.
It was absolutely wonderful getting to hear Liam Clancy narrate his story.
I loved the songs throw in a bonus as well.

What other book might you compare The Mountain of the Women to and why?

Well it is like other autobiographies that I've read in some ways because it is about an immigrant coming to New York in part.
But since each person's life is different and each person has their own story that makes it uniquely there's. so

What about Liam Clancy’s performance did you like?

Absolutely everything!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When his mom is recounting the death of his sister me was one of thMay.
Also when they went home to see their father.

Any additional comments?

I can't believe that I have not listen to this book or known about it until now.
It was definitely well worth the listen.
I would have loved to of heard Mr. Clancy narrate other books because he did a wonderful job.
It is too bad that he is no longer with us.
This is a book that I will most definitely be listening to again many times in the future.

Memorable Collection of Anecdotes

Most poignant were Clancy's memories of his childhood in impoverished 40's-50's Ireland. As the autobio progressed, however, my regard for Clancy as a moral Irish country boy also lost its virginity as his character slipped into decline. Having Clancy narrate the audiobook is priceless, however, and the bits of original music are powerful and moving. Although I was personally disappointed in Clancy's discarding of his Irish upbringing, I can't deny that this is a compelling book.

a rare book

it should never be read, only listented to...
this AUDIO book opened a whole new angle for me on things I thought I knew about... highly recommended...

literal time machine to the ireland of the 1950's

the mountain of the women is in a fact the closest thing to a time machine experience you will get.

Listen to this NOW!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Mountain is everything you want in an audiobook. A great tale (as fascinating as it is true) in the voice of the author, who is one of the all time great Irish performers. It is a touching and entertaining way to remeber and cherish Liam and the perfromer's craft.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Mountain of the Women?

Hearing this book read in the rich brogue of Liam Clancy really makes it perfect. He knew how to enthrall an audience and could capture a full range of emotions for the listener.

Which character – as performed by Liam Clancy – was your favorite?

Liam's mother, as voiced by Liam, conveys the tenderness and love they shared and has a bittersweet edge which will stay with you.

Liam Clancy

Great storytelling of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem by the master Liam Clancy himself. I have listened to the Clancy Brothers and Liam and Tommy all my life and still do. They were the best musicians and singers ever.

Liam Clancy As He Was

This is a must-read or listen for anyone who grew up in the '50s and '60s. This was an era of rock and roll, but it also was a reinvention of the folk era. This is a story that recounts one of the leaders in this resurgence. It tells of a man and his family's travel from Irish actors to their discovery as folk musicians. A very interesting read.

Liam Clancy story

excellent story about a snapshot of the life and history period of the Clancy's