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...

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...

The lore of ancient Ireland comes to life in this collection of classic folk tales retold for modern readers written by James Stephens and published in 1920.

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...

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 ...

"The Insurrection in Dublin" by James Stephens is a compelling narrative that delves into the events surrounding the Easter Rising of 1916 in Ireland. Through vivid descriptions and poignant characterizations, Stephens captures the fervor and desperation of the Irish struggle for independence. The book not only recounts the historical events but also explores the emotional and psychological impact of the insurrection on the people involved. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice...

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...

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...

This time, we have an original mysteries by George Wilhite (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Peter DiChellis (a locked-room mystery), as well as an original science fiction story by Larry Tritten and me. (It is a posthumous collaboration—Larry passed away in 2011. I acquired his copyrights some years ago and have been working on reprinting his stories, as longtime readers of BCW will realize. One particular story, with a terrible name, just didn’t work. So I rewrote it, re...

In "Deirdre," Stephens draws upon Irish mythology and legend to tell the story of Deirdre, a tragic heroine often associated with the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. Deirdre is prophesied to be of great beauty and destined for tragedy from birth. She falls in love with Naoise, a young warrior, and their story becomes entwined with themes of love, fate, and betrayal.The play likely explores Deirdre's relationships with other characters, including King Conchobar, who desires her for himself...

The story revolves around two central characters: a philosopher named Demi-God and a leprechaun named the King of the Leprechauns. Demi-God seeks to discover the "crock of gold," a metaphorical representation of ultimate happiness and fulfillment. The King of the Leprechauns, on the other hand, is determined to protect the crock of gold from humans who might misuse its power.Throughout the novel, Demi-God encounters various fantastical beings and goes on a series of adventures that challen...

"The Demi-gods" is a novel set in a fantastical version of ancient Ireland. The story revolves around a group of demi-gods, mythical beings who are part human and part divine. These characters navigate a world filled with magic, adventure, and intrigue.The novel is celebrated for its rich, lyrical prose and its blending of myth and reality. Stephens weaves a narrative that combines elements of Irish folklore with his own creative twists, resulting in a unique and captivating story. The dem...