A wide selection of stories from all over the Celtic spectrum. Most of the tales are sources from Ireland, simply because most of the old Celtic tales survived there. There are a few Manx, Welsh, and Breton tales too. The entire Cuchulainn cycle is included which is a nice treat for those who have only read "The Cattle Raid of Cooley" or "The Tain" as its known in some quarters. Also some Finn McCool stories which are quite funny. There is a nice creepy little short tale about the sleeping giant in a hidden cavern on the Isle of Man. There are a few King Arthur tales including Merlin, Talisean, Tristan and Isuelt. The Four Branches of the Mabinogi from the Isle of Man are also included. The book concludes with a number of strange other worldly tales that don't really fit anywhere else. Including a bizarre exorcism of a glutton demon out of an Irish King. The exorcism involves reciting a vision which involves all manner of devices made out of succulent foods.

It did take me quite a long time to read this book. It basically served as my bedside book which I tried to read a few pages out of every other nigh before bed. Well, that means reading two to three pages before falling asleep. A book this size does not go very fast when using that method. And since it weighs 2 pounds easily, its not quite convenient for easy transport. That is not to say, as an object, it is not a beautiful book. It has a wonderful cover and fanciful color illustrations done by Jane Ray. I might have appreciated a style more grounded in realism, but these are also good, if not more appropriate for a child's fairy tale book. Regardless, this is a great introduction volume into Celtic folklore. There is even a nice pronunciation guide and glossary in the back to help the reader with those tricky Gaelic names like "Wynebgwrthucher" and "Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr". This book has helped me find other books in this field and next I will tackling Lady Augusta Gregory's "Irish Myths and Legends". ( )

Collection of myths from the British Isles. ( )