Invisible Kingdom
The Waterboys, Fisherman’s Blues, and the Re-enchantment of the World
Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
In the mid 1980s the Waterboys took a sudden turn away from their climb up the ladder of UK rock stardom and headed out to Ireland--and eventually the rural West of Ireland--to record the remarkable Fisherman's Blues album. They drew together traditional Irish music; folk, gospel, and blues stylings; and a joyful sense of storied wonder. This tale of the rediscovery of an enchanted musical and lyrical kingdom serves as the framework for Richard Briggs to explore gospel re-enchantment, in dialogue with the worlds of myth and fairy. Drawing on C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and others, just as did the Waterboys themselves, Invisible Kingdom finds theological wisdom to the soundtrack of the rock band and the fiddle, in celebrating a life-giving Irish odyssey.
Richard S. Briggs
Richard S. Briggs (PhD, University of Nottingham) is lecturer in Old Testament and director of biblical studies at Cranmer Hall, St. John's College, Durham University. He is an ordained minister in the Church of England, where he serves as prior of the Community of St. Cuthbert based at St. Nic's Church in Durham, England. His books include Theological Hermeneutics and the Book of Numbers as Christian Scripture, Reading the Bible Wisely, and The Virtuous Reader.
More by Richard S. Briggs
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →