More than forty million Americans claim Irish ancestry. This lively illustrated book, divided into parts exploring myths, legends, and folktales, explains for the U.S. audience the importance of storytelling in Irish culture in particular. In ancient Ireland, a good storyteller was so valued that he would be a member of the aos dana, the bards, and would be welcomed into every village because he came bearing tales. From the One-Eyed Giant to the Salmon of Knowledge to beloved "fairy" tales, the author-a seanchai (traditional storyteller) herself-presents a fascinating collection that places these archetypal tales in historical context.