On the Verge of Lunacy

This book gives an overview of the Irish myths and legends and the existing problems in the  study of this field. O'Grady proposes the creation of a book that will cover both epic and annalistic/genealogical literature. He claims that although bardic literature constitutes the glory of early Irish history, it is also the stumbling block in its appreciation. There is a short introduction to bardic history as well as an overview of the five ages that should make up his proposed book. He also gives an account of the evolution of the pantheon and how important it is to include the cycles in the proposed book. A section on the deification of heroes and kings is informative. The mythological record of the bards according to O'Grady is as follows: Age of Keasair Age of Partholan and the Earliest Fomorian Gods Age of the Nemedian Gods and Second Cycle of the Fomorians Firbolgs and Third Cycle of the Fomoroh Last Cycle: Tuatha de Danan I don't recommend th...

This book tells us the colorful childhood days and the coming of age of the Celtic race's greatest hero. The book is divided into sixteen chapters. Each one is about the important events in Sentanta's life, who later on became known as Cuchulain, that marked the important influences and the people that shaped his life. There is also a chapter about Deirdre, whose life and misadventures indirectly influences the events the next events. Readers who are not familiar with this myth will not find this book difficult to understand. The uncommon words that are used are explained. The introduction will also provide additional information to the reader. The book tells only the story up to Cuchulain's coming of age after he was knighted. This will serve as a good introduction to the Ultonian cycle. If the reader wants to know what happens next to Cuchulain, I recommend Myths of the Norsemen by H.A. Guerber and Red Branch by Morgan Llywelyn. O'Grady's narrative is...