The Teapots Are Out and Other Eccentric Tales from Ireland

A fitting tribute to John B. Keane, for decades Ireland's favorite storyteller, this winning short story collection typifies the late author's folkloric imagination and storytelling arts. These are congenial tales, too, as this literary legend views the foibles and fallibilities of Irish country folk with abundant compassion as well as a shrewd, sometimes sardonic eye. Add to that Keane's glorious sense of fun and roguery that will make readers relish all the more how and why, in "Fred Rimble," Jim Conlon kills the best friend he ever had. Or how Willie Ramley determines that his future wife will be "Guaranteed Pure." Or how, to tragic as well as comic effect, a gasp, garlic, and gossip undo Denny Bruder in "The Hanging." In all, Keane uncovers the folly in the romantic pangs, exalted aspirations, misguided mischief, and everyday shortcomings of the characters in the village of his storyteller's mindand beyond the folly finds their humanity.

John B. Keane, the popular Irish playwright, poet, and publican, is the author of such novels as The Contractors and Durango and several volumes of short stories, among them An Irish Christmas Feast. Until his death in May 2002, he lived in Listowel, County Kerry, where he presided over one of the liveliest, most literary pubs in Ireland.