This volume aims is to examine "the dynamic interrelationship between folklore and modern Irish writing". To that end the book is divided into four distinct sections – Collectors and Collections; Writing Folklore; Literary Innovation and Cultural Adaptation; Continuity, Variation and Influence – with three or four essays in each. The more casual reader need not fear picking and choosing. Many of the contributors are already known to this reviewer for the quality of their work in Irish – Máirín Nic Eoin, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, Bríona Nic Dhiarmada and Ríonach Uí Ógáin – while others also provide valuable insights. Irene Lucchitti's contribution on Peig deserves to be read carefully by all. The work of WB Yeats, Pádraig Pearse, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and Anne Enright are also placed under the folklore microscope. You thought folklore went out with the ark? Think again.
