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.
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.
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!