Tales for the Telling

This is a marriage made in heaven: master storytelling from Edna O'Brien coupled with the signature watercolour style of Michael Foreman.

"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."

"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."

"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."