The Lyrics of the Red Book of Ossory, edited by Richard Leighton Greene, is a critical edition of sixty Latin religious poems composed by Richard de Ledrede, Bishop of Ossory, during the 14th century. Preserved in the Red Book of Ossory, a medieval manuscript from Kilkenny, these lyrics were intended to replace secular and morally questionable songs sung by clergy, particularly during religious festivals like Christmas and Easter.

Greene's edition offers an in-depth analysis of these poems, revealing their structure, themes, and significance within the context of medieval church music and culture. The lyrics blend Latin liturgical elements with vernacular influences, as evidenced by fragments of Middle English and Old French that indicate the popular tunes to which the Latin verses were set. This interaction between sacred and secular music highlights the cultural exchange between church and popular traditions during the medieval period.

In addition to the lyrics, Greene provides detailed notes on the manuscript itself, including its physical condition, scribes, and the historical context in which it was created. Through this scholarly edition, Greene illuminates the role of Bishop Ledrede as a reformer and religious poet, offering valuable insights into medieval Irish ecclesiastical life and the intersection of religious and popular music.

Essential for scholars of medieval literature, music, and history, The Lyrics of the Red Book of Ossory stands as a significant contribution to the study of medieval religious poetry and cultural history.