June 2006

Ireland has one of the finest cultural heritages and a standard reference book, combining the related subjects of folklore, myth, legend and romance is long overdue. Now, this wide-ranging work of over 350,000 words is that one volume. There are 350 substantial entries, from Aban, a sixth-century saint, to Weather, all with full references to sources, a synopsis of relevant stories, and discussion of their origin, nature and development. For easy access, all entries are alphabetical. There are cross-references within individual entries, so no aspect of a particular story is neglected. The style communicates easily, whether one wishes to hear good stories or find material without difficulty. The whole spectrum of Irish narrative is made available in a measured and analytical manner. After each entry, an exhaustive list of sources and relevant studies is given. So, from the misty legends of the Tuatha De Danann and saints and scholars to Biddy Early and Daniel O'Connell, this book opens a window to Ireland and the Irish.