The Truth About Leprechauns

by Bob Curran

Historian and folklorist Bob Curran looks at the origins of this hero of Irish lore - the Leprechaun - fallen angel, diminished god or son of fairies - and at his habits, occupations and characteristics. He explores the superstitions surrounding the leprechaun and his enduring place in popular culture, and turns the spotlight on the `real' leprechaun - mysterious, complex, and contradictory.

171 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

BOB CURRAN is an educational psychologist in Coleraine University. His interests are broad-ranging but are focused especially on history and story. He has written several books, including The Field Guide to Irish Fairies, The Wolfhound Guide to the Shamrock, Creatures of Celtic Myth, The Truth about the Leprechaun.

Reviews

[Susie]

Having been born of an Irish mother (County Down) who one would not want to challenge the existence of Leprechauns and Faeries, I thoroughly enjoye this book!

[Bradley]

A beautiful and fun little book

[Ann]

I have the newer, 2017 version entitled "The Truth About Leprechauns," so I'm not sure how much content has changed.

Really well done, non-academic treatment of myth and history in Ireland regarding 'the little folk.'