Legends of Saints and Sinners by Douglas Hyde is a fascinating exploration of the folklore and mythology surrounding saints and sinners in Irish culture. Hyde delves into the rich history of these figures, examining the stories and legends that have been passed down through generations.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Hyde's expert storytelling. He brings these larger-than-life figures to life with vivid descriptions and lively retellings of their adventures. The reader is transported to a time when saints performed miracles and sinners faced their comeuppance in fantastical ways.

Hyde also does a commendable job of shedding light on the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of the Irish people. By examining the stories of saints and sinners, he provides valuable insight into the values and traditions that have shaped Irish society for centuries.

Overall, Legends of Saints and Sinners is a captivating read that will appeal to anyone with an interest in Irish folklore, mythology, or history. Hyde's impeccable research and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the legends that define Irish culture.

Book Description:
"I have called the present volume "Legends of Saints and Sinners," which to a certain extent it is; but I mean it for a book of Irish Christian folk-lore. My idea in compiling it has been to give for the first time a collection of genuine Irish folk-lore which might be called "Christian." By this I mean folk-stories and folk-poems which are either entirely founded upon Christian conceptions, or else are so far coloured by them, that they could never have been told—at least in their present shape—had not Christianity established itself in Ireland. Every one of these stories conforms fairly to this standard, except one or two, which I give as necessary corollaries. They are all translations from the Irish. I have found hardly any such stories in English. They were mostly collected by myself from the mouths of native speakers, but three or four of them I have taken from Irish MSS. in my own possession, and a few more were given me by my friends. Not one of these stories was ever translated into English before, with the exception of those which I have taken from my own "Religious Songs of Connacht." - Summary by From The Introduction