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Irish Folk and Fairy Tales Omnibus Edition Paperback – August 24, 1989
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length637 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSphere
- Publication dateAugust 24, 1989
- Dimensions5 x 2.5 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-100751508861
- ISBN-13978-0751508864
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About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Sphere; New Ed edition (August 24, 1989)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 637 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0751508861
- ISBN-13 : 978-0751508864
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5 x 2.5 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,585,426 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11,323 in Historical Fantasy (Books)
- #18,982 in Folklore (Books)
- #28,858 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
"Some stories wait their turn to be told, others just tap you on the shoulder and insist you tell them."
By one of those wonderful coincidences with which life is filled, I find that the first time the word alchemyst--with a Y--appears in my notes is in May 1997. Ten years later, almost to the day, The Alchemyst, the first book in the Nicholas Flamel series, will be published in May.
Every writer I know keeps a notebook full of those ideas, which might, one day, turn into a story. Most writers know they will probably never write the vast majority of those ideas. Most stories wait their turn to be told, but there are a few which tap you on the shoulder and insist on being told. These are the stories which simply will not go away until you get them down on paper, where you find yourself coming across precisely the research you need, or discovering the perfect character or, in my case, actually stumbling across Nicholas Flamel's house in Paris.
Discovering Flamel's house was the final piece I needed to put the book together. It also gave me the character of Nicholas Flamel because, up to that point, the book was without a hero.
And Nicholas Flamel brought so much to the story.
Nicholas Flamel was one of the most famous alchemists of his day. He was born in 1330 and earned his living as a bookseller, which, by another of those wonderful coincidences, was the same job I had for many years.
One day he bought a book, the same book mentioned in The Alchemyst: the Book of Abraham. It, too, really existed and Nicholas Flamel left us with a very detailed description of the copper-bound book. Although the book itself is lost, the illustrations from the text still exist.
Accompanied by his wife Perenelle, Nicholas spent more than 20 years trying to translate book. He must have succeeded. He became extraordinarily wealthy and used some of his great wealth to found hospitals, churches, and orphanages. Perhaps he had discovered the secret of the Philosopher's Stone: how to turn base metal into gold.
Of course the greatest mystery linked to Nicholas Flamel is the story of what happened after he died. When his tomb was opened by thieves looking for some of his great wealth, it was found to be empty. Had Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel been buried in secret graves, or had they never died in the first place? In the months and years to follow, sightings of the Flamels were reported all over Europe. Had Nicholas also discovered that other great mystery of alchemy: the secret of immortality?
What writer couldn't resist a story that combined magical books, an immortal magician and grave robbing and, even more excitingly, that had a basis in fact? It begged the questions: if he was still alive today, where would he be and what would he be doing? Obvious really--he would be running a bookshop in San Francisco.
The Alchemyst was a tough book to write, probably the toughest of all the books I've done so far. It is the first in a series, and because the story told across all six books is so tightly integrated, keeping track of the characters and events means that I have to keep extensive and detailed notes. A minor change in book one could impact dramatically book three. There are tiny clues seeded into the first book that pay off in later books. The time frame for the entire series is very tight--The Alchemyst, for example, takes place over two days--so I too need to keep an hour-by-hour breakdown of events.
For people who like to know the practicalities, I write every day and sometimes all day and often long into the night. Nights really are the best time for writing. It's that time the conscious side of the brain is starting to shut down and the unconscious takes over. The following day I'll read what I've written the previous day, then edit and rewrite. I work on two computer screens; the story on one screen, notes and research on the second screen.
And now let me answer the question you are about to ask me because, sooner or later, everyone asks, "What is the secret of writing?"
A comfortable chair. A really comfortable chair--because if you're a writer, you're going to spend a lot of time sitting in it.
Customer reviews
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2010Wow! I did not know a lot about Irish fairy tales, and this book did not disappoint! Michael Scott weaves in fantastic lore while brilliantly keeping one appropriately intrigued. Each one of these charming stories easily lends itself to a big budget film! And the magical tone keeps the reader constantly entertained.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2014This book is great. It has several tales in it. The version of the stories is interesting the range and engaging. I love the range of stories.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2012This book was a surprise. I am a fan of folk and mythology from all over the world, and I have found that folktales need to be very well-written to be enjoyed, or else they end up as alien stories about alien cultures. Irish Folk and Fairytales is a good collection of the most important stories of Ireland. It is well written and the tales of the ancient elves and kings touches the heart. This is a book that can be read over and over again
- Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2012I received this book, years ago, as a gift from an Irish friend of mine and had no clue what a treasure I was being given.
From the Ancient to the modern (around the 70's) this book covers everything, starting with the Three Sorrows of Irish Storytelling...one of which, The Children of Lir, brought me to tears, to the last of the line of great Elven kings.
An engaging book, you'll meet an array of colorful characters, all of which will enrich your reading.
My favorite is Nano Hayes, who spans from the pre to the post "new god" eras, a wise old Witch who is as spellbinding, as she is valuable to Celtic lore.
While I will admit that there is no glossary (at least in my copy) of how to pronounce certain words and that is beyond frustrating (as it appears that this book was painstakingly researched by handed-down stories and word-of-mouth from those who descended from the mortals lucky enough to interact with, the Fae) if you really must know and your curiosity gets the better of you, simply look them up.
One book you'll NEVER regret reading. Yes it IS long...but worth it!
If you never read anything else about Irish lore, you MUST read this book!
- Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2007The book is broken into three section each containing a series of stories that have some kind of common link. The first section deals mostly with the three great Irish storytelling laments. I have never heard of or read a better version of the Sons of Tureen. The rest of the first section deals with magical creation of some kind and often with the Fair Folk. The second section focuses on humans that stumble upon magic, and the third upon magical beings that aren't De Danann. The author includes stories of varying lengths and his words flow like poetry (as all good Irish stories should). It is not hard to imagine an old Bard standing in front of the fire and reciting to a packed and utterly awed audience as you read these stories. If you enjoy grand storytelling in the old tradition, this is the book you need.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2015It's one of the book by Michael Scott I didn't have and love it.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2015It's generally well written, and I found a vast majority of these stories very fascinating, even though I skipped about three stories. I get that these stories have taken place a long time ago, but I can't recall any strong female characters. I'm not the world's greatest feminist or anything, but I found some of the descriptions about the female characters to be a little nauseating.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2017fascinating tales, very pleased
Top reviews from other countries
- Christine-EstelleReviewed in Canada on January 13, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite
An exquisite collection of Irish (and plus) mythology.
- JacsReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Irish folk and fairy tales omnibus by Michael Scott
This book is obviously old but that's the beauty of it. I'm loving reading it and would definitely recommend the seller. It came really fast too not bad seeing as it's manic Christmas post time. Thank you.
- StepperReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
This book is beautiful, I just love the writings of this author. Wonderful old stories brilliantly penned. Enjoy.
- 001Felix100Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what it says on the tin.
Interesting read ( not finished yet ) stories are short making a good dip in and out of book
- maureen hester chanterReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Fantastic stories takes me back to my childhood and the stories of my father