Tales for the Telling: Irish Folk & Fairy Tales

Description

The Irish are renowned tellers of tales and these twelve enchanting stories of ancient magic, daring deeds, dashing heroes and mythical creatures sparkle with the wit, nonsense and naughtiness of Edna O'Brien's beautifully crafted storytelling. Tales for the Telling features traditional Irish folk and fairy tales, including 'The Magic Apples' 'The Swan Bride', 'Paddy the Piper' and 'Two Giants.' In 'Two Giants', Irish giant Finn, no longer in the first flush of youth, is challenged to do battle against Scottish giant McConigle, who aims to take over Finn's territory. The titanic clash is averted when Finn's clever wife, Oonagh manages to fool McConigle into thinking that Finn is twice the size he really is, and three times as strong. McConigle then has second thoughts about tackling Finn. This story illustrates the way that O'Brien's retelling of tales from her native land will delight and enthrall the whole family either as bed-time reading or as a rainy day treat. O'Brien's giants, leprechauns, princesses and sorcerers are all brought beautifully to life by celebrated illustrator Michael Foreman, whose vigorous, colourful art heightens the drama of the stories while also adding to the magic and charm of this outstanding collection. AGES: 8 plus AUTHOR: Edna O'Brien is an Irish playwright, short story writer, novelist and poet. She is the author of The Country Girls, The Light of Evening, Casualties of Peace and Byron in Love, among many other works. She was described by Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland, as 'one of the great creative writers of her generation' and she has won numerous awards including the James Joyce Ulysses Medal, the Irish PEN Award and the prestigious Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award. Born in County Clare, O'Brien now lives in London.

Edna O'Brien is an Irish playwright, short story writer, novelist and poet. She is the author of The Country Girls, The Light of Evening, Casualties of Peace and Byron in Love, among many other works. Michael Foreman's numerous books for children have earned him widespread recognition as one of the world's best-loved illustrators. He has worked on a vast range of children's books, and has collaborated with many great authors including Michael Morpurgo and Terry Jones.

This is a marriage made in heaven: master storytelling from Edna O'Brien coupled with the signature watercolour style of Michael Foreman. * English Association Magazine (Summer issue) * "There's nothing like a decent sized story tome though, particularly as an early stocking stuffer for Christmas, so it's with exquisite timing that Edna O'Brien and Michael Foreman's awesome "Tales for the Telling: Irish Folk and Fairy Tales" is being reprinted by Palazzo in a fabulous attractive hardback format. Fusing together Michael's gorgeous watercolour illustrations with Edna's wonderful retelling of traditional folk tales, this is definitely a 'keeper' and a book that's destined to be read and re-read." * Read it, Daddy! * "I've been receiving some lovely books from Palazzo Books recently. These well-presented clothbound hardbacks with lovely illustrations are perfect to build up a collection of books to return to over and over again. This book is no exception. Irish folktales are always mesmerising and the retellings in this collection of 12 stories are excellently done...Many of the illustrations are full page and they perfectly reflect the joy and vivacity of the storytelling. A good representative selection of Irish stories which continues a great storytelling tradition." * Parents in Touch * "Tales for the Telling by Edna O'Brien (Palazzo, 5+ GBP16.99) features no dragons, but there are plenty of other strange beasts and fantastic creatures, including giants, leprechauns, fools and fairies. Originally published in 1986, the collection of Irish folk and fairy tales has long been out of print, and its reappearance will delight adults who remember it from their own childhood. The prologue - narrated in idiom by a slurring country storyteller - betrays O'Brien's mischievous intent, and she spares you none of her wit or literary style. This is a really handsome edition too, featuring full-page renderings of Michael Foreman's original watercolour illustrations." * Irish Times *