"Traditional Irish Fairy Tales" by James Stephens features ten time-honored classics which are notable retellings of traditional favorites. Brimming with enchantment, whimsy and sly humor, Stephen's work does far more than many fairy tale compilations. In "Traditional Irish Fairy Tales" Stephens presents a voice, a carefully chosen, well modulated voice, to present the web of tales which comprise the Irish tradition. As in "Crock of Gold," he does this with beautiful natural imagery, and references to the bays and rivers and isles of Ireland. Moreover, unlike much of literature considered adolescent fare, he encompasses adult virtues and vices including lust, envy and pride. "Traditional Irish Fairy Tales" is written with a compelling sense of humor, aimed not at the cute, but at the failings which each of us possess. For many, it ranks as a favorite book if Irish fairy tales and a book worthy of reading by a person of any age. A great read for anyone interested in Irish folklore, or a set of beautifully written, wonderful stories.