Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland - (Arcturus Slipcased Classics) by Jane Wilde (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This deluxe hardback edition of Lady Jane Wilde's classic work is presented in a beautiful slipcase and features classic mythology illustrations by Stephen Reid.

Lady Jane Wilde was the mother of Oscar Wilde and an accomplished folklorist. She sought to preserve Irish culture through recording their enchanting myths, rituals and beliefs. This collection contains over 100 of these enthralling tales, from fairies stealing children to leprechauns promising gold. Each showcase the strange and mystical superstitions spread by Irish peasantry in the ancient tongue.

Tales include:
- The Horned Women
- The Fenian Knights
- The Fairy Changeling
- The Legends of the Western Islands

This covetable edition is Wibalin-bound with gold-foil embossing. It includes a chapter on the ancient peoples of Ireland written by her husband Sir William Wilde which forms part of the original manuscript. Accompanying the text are beautiful illustrations by Stephen Reid from The High Deeds of Finn and a rare map of ancient Ireland.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Slipcased Classics are beautiful foil-stamped gift editions of classic works of literature, presented in a slipcase and decorated with delightful illustrations.

About the Author

Lady Jane Francesca Elgee Wilde (1821-1896) was an Irish poet, activist and the mother of famed playwright and poet Oscar Wilde. Early on in her career, she wrote under the pen name 'Speranza' and fought for Irish independence through her articles and poetry. She had a special interest in Irish folktales which she gathered and recorded, culminating in her anthology Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland. She also contributed some writings of Irish folk tales to the Celtic revival anthologies created by W.B. Yeats.

Stephen Reid (1873-1948) was a Scottish painter and illustrator who developed a particular interest in historical subjects and costume. He was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists in 1906 and he is well known for his illustrations for myths and legends.

Sir William Wilde (1815-1876) was an Irish author, eminent physician and father of Oscar Wilde. He wrote many significant works on medicine, archaeology and Irish folklore.