Customer Reviews

Irish Ghosts & Hauntings

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book, like people stated before (in so many words) is a little bit more broad and complex than its title. The book does not discuss solely ghosts and hauntings, but instead banshees, mermaids (and NOT by disney, or for kids), witches (of all kinds), etc.

The stories are quite engaging. I cannot deny that this is a good book. I do not find myself compelled very many times to pick this book up, but when I do, I end up reading it for a long time. The stories are great, and sometimes they illustrate some incredibly eerie scenes and scenarios.

All in all, this book will give you a modern and fluid legends of the old people, giving you new perspectives of both sides that is not often given in ghost stories, all the while sending the occasional big chill up your spine.

Michael Scott has written better, but this is by no means something to ignore.

Why name a book "Irish Ghosts & Hauntings" if it isn't about ghosts? Is it possible that "Gory Tales Made up Whole-Cloth out of Creatures from Irish Folklore" might not have sold?

The book's Fir Bolg, Banshees, cursed cows, and malevolent Standing Stones are a grim, snarling, wordy lot--at least the ones with mouths. The others have to make do with belching sulfur, pulsing with dull malignance, or chewing a cud and staring intensely.

I do like the story about the haunted cow.

Some of the stories involve priest-exorcists (including one about St. Patrick) and these are not the milk-veined, cross-waving, manicured priests of moviedom. Many of the creatures they exorcise are pure evil, but some are human, trapped in the shape of a wolf or a cow by a thumping Celtic curse. Usually a heart-thundering, blood-bubbling physical tussle takes place, as well as the standard tussle for the beast's soul.

Okay, so there are a few ghost stories in this book, but mainly it will appeal to those who like their folklore grim and gory.

Great Fun!!!!

Michael Scott has done it yet again. If only horror films today were made with these kind of stories at their core. These are deliciously creepy and uber smart...keeping on the edge of her seat. I preferred the latter stories in the omnibus, particularly SAMHAIN and THE O'SULLIVAN BEAR!!!! Definitely read!!!

I just finished reading this book the other day. I loved it. The stories are well written - short and thought provoking. This book inspired me to want to learn more about Pagan Celtic traditions and stories. The Cover though fitting to the mood -doesn't do the book justice.

If you have a friend who liked the show Tales from the Crypt - this might just be a neat gift to get them!