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Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore
Delve into the enchanting world of Irish folklore with "Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore" by W. B. Yeats. This collection brings to life the magical realms and mythical creatures that populate the rich tapestry of Irish storytelling. Yeats, a masterful storyteller and poet, weaves tales that capture the imagination and transport readers to a land of wonder. Whether encountering leprechauns, banshees, or heroic figures from Irish mythology, readers are immersed in the cultural heritage of Ireland. This anthology serves as a captivating exploration of folklore and a celebration of the enduring magic found in the heart of Irish storytelling.
225 pages, Hardcover
Published January 10, 2025
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About the author
W.B. Yeats
2,036 books2,593 followersWilliam Butler Yeats was an Irish poet and dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th century literature. A pillar of both the Irish and British literary establishments, in his later years Yeats served as an Irish Senator for two terms. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival, and along with Lady Gregory and Edward Martyn founded the Abbey Theatre, serving as its chief during its early years. In 1923 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for what the Nobel Committee described as "inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation." He was the first Irishman so honored. Yeats is generally considered one of the few writers who completed their greatest works after being awarded the Nobel Prize; such works include The Tower (1928) and The Winding Stair and Other Poems (1929).
Yeats was born and educated in Dublin but spent his childhood in County Sligo. He studied poetry in his youth, and from an early age was fascinated by both Irish legends and the occult. Those topics feature in the first phase of his work, which lasted roughly until the turn of the century. His earliest volume of verse was published in 1889, and those slow paced and lyrical poems display debts to Edmund Spenser and Percy Bysshe Shelley, as well as to the Pre-Raphaelite poets. From 1900, Yeats' poetry grew more physical and realistic. He largely renounced the transcendental beliefs of his youth, though he remained preoccupied with physical and spiritual masks, as well as with cyclical theories of life.
--from Wikipedia
Yeats was born and educated in Dublin but spent his childhood in County Sligo. He studied poetry in his youth, and from an early age was fascinated by both Irish legends and the occult. Those topics feature in the first phase of his work, which lasted roughly until the turn of the century. His earliest volume of verse was published in 1889, and those slow paced and lyrical poems display debts to Edmund Spenser and Percy Bysshe Shelley, as well as to the Pre-Raphaelite poets. From 1900, Yeats' poetry grew more physical and realistic. He largely renounced the transcendental beliefs of his youth, though he remained preoccupied with physical and spiritual masks, as well as with cyclical theories of life.
--from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 16, 2026
I had high hopes for this collection, but the quality of the translations was inconsistent. Some passages seemed poorly translated, while others inexplicably adopted an Irish accent, which felt out of place. Ideally, translated text should simply be clear and accessible in the target language.
On a positive note, the poetry selections were a highlight. I was particularly drawn to "The Fairy Well of Lagnanay" by Samuel Ferguson, with its enchanting narrative and subtle undertones. The inclusion of the name "Una" was a delightful touch – it's a name so lovely, I'd consider it for a child's middle name!
"Cusheen Loo" by J.J. Callanan was another favorite, appreciated for its simplicity and gentle rhythm. It evokes the image of a perfect lullaby. The collection also features an intriguing Irish take on the Snow White story.
However, beyond these standouts, I struggled to engage with many of the other stories. Issues such as distracting accents, grammatical errors, repetitive phrasing, and inconsistencies detracted from my reading experience.
While this collection may appeal to older readers interested in exploring their Irish heritage, I hesitate to recommend it widely due to the noted inconsistencies.
On a positive note, the poetry selections were a highlight. I was particularly drawn to "The Fairy Well of Lagnanay" by Samuel Ferguson, with its enchanting narrative and subtle undertones. The inclusion of the name "Una" was a delightful touch – it's a name so lovely, I'd consider it for a child's middle name!
"Cusheen Loo" by J.J. Callanan was another favorite, appreciated for its simplicity and gentle rhythm. It evokes the image of a perfect lullaby. The collection also features an intriguing Irish take on the Snow White story.
However, beyond these standouts, I struggled to engage with many of the other stories. Issues such as distracting accents, grammatical errors, repetitive phrasing, and inconsistencies detracted from my reading experience.
While this collection may appeal to older readers interested in exploring their Irish heritage, I hesitate to recommend it widely due to the noted inconsistencies.
Displaying 1 of 1 review