The Táin
The Great Irish Battle Epic
Alan Titley author Eoin Coveney illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Little Island
Published:17th Mar '23
£8.99
Available to order, but very limited on stock - if we have issues obtaining a copy, we will let you know.
Queen Maeve’s army is marching north to steal the great brown bull, the pride of Ulster. But one man stands in their way. Cúchulainn, the Hound of Ulster, vowed in boyhood to protect his homeland – even if it means taking on an invading army himself.
One by one Maeve’s warriors challenge the hero, and one by one they fall. Can Cúchulainn hold out until reinforcements arrive – and how will he fare against the one man in Ireland he doesn’t want to fight?
Ireland’s most important myth is retold in English for children by the great scholar of Old Ireland, Alan Titley. Titley goes back to the source material and his translation sparkles with the wit and humour, as well as the thrill and battle, of the ancient tale. Illustrations by artist Eoin Coveney lend a modern feel. This is Irish myth as you haven’t read it before.
"A welcome rival to the widely available versions of European tales."
* Sara Keating, The Irish Times *"This gutsy, vivid, gruesomely humorous retelling of the seminal Irish myth is perfectly judged for folklore addicts."
* The Guardian *"Accessibly written and as full of gore as the battle itself ... it will instigate discussions about war, heroism, myths and legends."
* BookTrust *"This is a fantastic story."
-- BBC Radio 4"Author Alan Titley, while retelling the saga in fine detail, has also made it more accessible to young and contemporary readers ... The author, with the aid of excellent illustrations by Eoin Coveney, brings to life ancient gods, godesses, druids, legendary warriors, and Cúchulainn's magical spear (ga bolga) in a tale which explores jealousy, friendship, loyalty, and even the futility of war. In an age where a plethora of mythical stories abounds, The Táin is a wonderful reminder of our Irish mythology, told in a style that will engage young readers."
* InTouch magazine *"Updating the language while keeping the story true to its time is a tricky tightrope but it's beautifully managed here, and the many illustrations by Eoin Coveney are rich and atmospheric."
* Meath Chronicle *"Alan's writing is clear and easy to follow, and Eoin's illustrations are a marvel. They're just beautiful; I could spend hours examining them for different details. The story is exciting and moves along at the right speed."
* Read and Reviewed *"Dive into this ancient Irish tale, retold by a masterful storyteller that will have you on the edge of your seat ... Prepare for a journey filled with intrigue, fierce battles, and a quest for ultimate power.'
* Read with a RescISBN: 9781915071064
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 169g
176 pages