cover image THE GOOD PEOPLE: Authentic Irish Fairy Tales

THE GOOD PEOPLE: Authentic Irish Fairy Tales

Edmund Lenihan, . . Sounds True/Windhorse Productions, $19.95 (10pp) ISBN 978-1-56455-761-2

The superior Secrets of the World multicultural storytelling series adds another excellent volume with this collection of tales from Ireland. Venerable storyteller and folklorist Lenihan sets an easygoing pace with his pleasant brogue and vernacular style. In a compelling tone, he provides listeners with some background about storytelling traditions in Ireland as well as basic elements of Irish legend throughout the recording. His addition of generous detail creates a vivid Old World setting for each story. From "The Fiddler," in which a fiddler complies when asked to play for the king and queen of the fairies (or "good people," as many Irish call them, to avoid being "cheeky" and incurring the fairies' wrath), to "The Leprechaun," about a man who tries to trick the fairy shoemaker, the stories flow seamlessly from one to the next. Original and traditional Celtic music from the group Colcannon infuses the proceedings with authentic Irish flavor. The tunes are used skillfully as accents within the various tales and as breaks between stories. Flute, fife, fiddle, bodhran and mandolin are all part of the lively music mix. As with all the titles in this series, a color poster and story trading cards are included in the packaging. All ages. (Dec.)