Description:
"The desire of the lover for the beloved is fanned by restraint, by absence, by whisper and glance, by stolen kiss, by secret embrace, by song, poem, and story," writes author Caitlin Matthews in the introduction to this collection of 10 Celtic love stories. These are the stories that have enthralled centuries of readers and clan-like storytellers. Some are familiar classics, such as Drustan and Isolt ("When Leaves be Green"); others are little-known discoveries that Matthews has polished and honed with her graceful language and strong command of the Celtic heart. Matthews introduces each love story with a brief historical context, explaining her interpretations and sources. Of course this information helps readers immensely, but it is the lilting language of the stories that captivates readers, carrying them off into "faery" kingdoms, maidens' bedrooms, enchanted worlds of "seers," and black cauldron oracles, as well as the forbidden love triangles among kings, queens, and lovers. These earthly, fleshy, mystical, and erotic stories are bound to stir the embers of passion as well as the soul. Selections include, "The Blood in the Snow--of Deirdriu and Naosi," "Hold Me Fast and Fear Me Not--of Janet and Tam Lin," and "A Harp of Stone--of Liadain and Cuirither." --Gail Hudson
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