Yeats traveled all over Ireland in search of authentic folklore and folk traditions, and many of the pieces are introduced with engaging accounts of the storytellers who shared the legends that had been passed down through their families. Yeats's fascination with the occult infuses several of the stories, and Mythologies includes a section of essays presenting the poet's speculations on the supernatural, as well as his theories about Irish mysticism.

Such recent bestsellers as How the Irish Saved Civilization and Angela's Ashes demonstrate the popularity of books about the Irish and Ireland. Mythologies will appeal to this audience -- and to every adult and child who enjoys the magical power of a well-told tale.