Old Celtic Romances ─ Including the Three Sorrows of Irish Storytelling

First published in 1879, this famous treasury of tales from Celtic mythology has long been regarded as a classic in the field. The book was compiled by a noted folklorist who selected and translated the tales from rare Gaelic manuscripts into simple, familiar English. Often based on historical events and legends, these popular narratives were handed down from generation to generation, becoming part of a rich body of romantic lore.
Abounding in brave warriors, fair maidens, monsters, and mermaids, the 13 selections feature "The Three Sorrows of Storytelling," metaphorical interpretations of tragic events in Irish history and culture involving the fates of the children of Lir, Turenn, and Usna. Contents include "The Overflowing of Lough Neagh," "The Pursuit of Dermat and Grania," "Connla of the Golden Hair and the Fairy Maiden," "The Voyage of Maildun," "The Fairy Palace of the Quicken Trees," and other fables. Lovers of Celtic mythology and legends will find hours of reading pleasure in this superb collection of some of the oldest and best-loved Irish folktales.

Patrick Weston Joyce (1827–1914) was a noted historian who produced many books about Irish history and culture. His expertise in this area made him the ideal translator of these tales from the original Gaelic, and his retellings are highly readable, offering more color and detail than many other interpretations of Irish folklore.