Library of Aethers

Selected Lyrics 1994–2024. Library of Aethers gathers a generous selection of lyrics from one of the finest songwriters of the last thirty years, Alasdair Roberts, with his own notes shedding light on the rich blend of biographical, historical and literary sources behind the songs. From his earliest recordings in the 1990s, it was clear that Alasdair Roberts was not only a powerful performer, but also a profoundly original songwriter. In the years since then, he has honed his craft across a series of albums that comprise a richly idiosyncratic body of work. Distinctive as they are musically, Alasdair’s songs are equally notable for their articulate, poetic and often moving lyrical qualities – now starkly symbolic, now allusively ornate. This book aims to showcase those qualities, with a selection of lyrics from across Alasdair’s songwriting catalogue. The lyrics are augmented by newly written notes by Alasdair, with original illustrations by Annabel Wright, plus a foreword by the acclaimed poet Robin Robertson, and several entertaining appendices.