Sixteen-year-old Mary Makebelieve shares a small room with her mother, a charwoman, in the tenements of early twentieth-century Dublin. While Mrs. Makebelieve is at work cleaning the houses of the wealthy, Mary wanders around the city and its parks absorbed in daydreams. Her encounter with a policeman who appears to signal romantic interest in her is the beginning of Mary's coming-of-age story, which combines elements of folk- or fairytale with a complex vision of human psychology and the ...

When the ancient god Pan appears in Ireland and the beautiful Caitilin Ni Murrachu decides to follow him, her father asks an old philosopher to deliver her back. In his quest, the philosopher requests the help of the Celtic god of love, experiences catharsis, and is apprehended by policemen tipped off by leprechauns, provoking a second rescue mission-for himself.It is through this humorous mixture of philosophy and Irish folklore that James Stephens presents deep philosophical ques...

Patsy Mac Cann spends his days wandering rural Ireland with his daughter Mary Mac Cann and their donkey. They set up camp for the night and are surprised by the appearance of three demi-gods. The demi-gods, strangers to humanity and in need of guidance, decide to follow the Mac Canns. The group begins their adventure on the winding Irish roads, encountering locals-each with their own story to tell.In The Demi-Gods James Stephens takes us on a journey of storytelling, weavi...

This collection of short stories, retold by Irish author James Stephens, focuses mainly on the adventures of legendary hunter-warrior Fionn mac Uail and his companions in the Fianna. The stories often feature the magical people of the Shí (fairies) and their interactions with the residents of medieval Ireland.Perfect for readers who love Celtic mythology and enchanting folklore, these timeless tales bring the magical world of ancient Ireland vividly to life. Stephens masterfully we...

The Fairy Tale Collection brings together some of the greatest fairy tales ever written.Featuring:FAIRY TALES OF THE SLAV PEASANTS AND HERDSMEN, by Aleksander ChodźkoTHE BLUE FAIRY BOOK, by Andrew LangTHE RED FAIRY BOOK, by Andrew LangTHE YELLOW FAIRY BOOK, by Andrew LangTHE GREY FAIRY BOOK, by Andrew LangTHE VIOLET FAIRY BOOK, by Andrew LangTHE CRIMSON FAIRY BOOK, by Andrew LangTHE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK, by Andrew LangFAI...

Book 1: Embark on a magical journey through the lore of the Emerald Isle with “ Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens .” James Stephens weaves a tapestry of enchanting stories, populated by leprechauns, fairies, and mythical creatures. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and whimsical narratives that characterize Irish folklore, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Ireland.Book 2: Discover the charm and wisdom of the ...

Irish Fairy Tales is a retelling of ten Irish folktales by the Irish author James Stephens. The stories are set in a wooded, Medieval Ireland filled with larger-than-life hunters, warriors, kings, and fairies. Many stories concern the Fianna and their captain, Fionn mac Uail, from the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology.|Wikipedia|StoriesThe Story of Tuan mac CairillThe Boyhood of FionnThe Birth of BranOisín's MotherThe Wooing of BecfolaT...

IN the centre of the pine wood called Coilla Doraca there lived not long ago two Philosophers. They were wiser than anything else in the world except the Salmon who lies in the pool of Glyn Cagny into which the nuts of knowledge fall from the hazel bush on its bank. He, of course, is the most profound of living creatures, but the two Philosophers are next to him in wisdom. Their faces looked as though they were made of parchment, there was ink under their nails, and every difficulty that w...

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The Extra Things added to the BookAdded details biography of AuthorAdded Index to get a quick view and interfaceIn the Land of Youth recounts the rivalry between the courtly Queen Meave and Eochaid, the earthy king. It is filled with scenes of ribaldry and revelry and acts as a prelude to Maeve’s war with the men of Ulster.

The Charwoman’s DaughterA humorous tale about a poor Irish charwoman living in the slums of Dublin, and her innocent teenage daughter, Mary Makebelieve, whose first forays into courtship and romance, and their desire to escape from drudgery -- provide us with a charming picture of youth's enthusiasm and a mother's devotion, amidst Dublin's many parks and shops. The chapters are filled with James Stephens' witty Irish observations on life, love, ignorance, the frustrations of the poo...

Throughout the long centuries of human history is the want, and the need, to share information, to exchange ideas and for that knowledge and experience, for curiosity and learning, to be the basis of a civil society.In literature the ambition is much narrower. In order to be known, to be popular, you had to be published. And for that people had to know you existed and your ideas worth reading. Obviously for most of humanity’s time people couldn’t read and texts couldn’t be publishe...