"Natasha Sumner has produced a splendid and much-needed scholarly study of the long history of Fionn and his fianna, the most important band of literary heroes in the Gaelic world. By examining the medieval sources and the later oral tales, as well as these figures' complex reception in English-speaking culture, she has hugely expanded our sense of who Fionn and the fianna are, and why they matter."-- Mark Williams, author of Ireland's Immortals: A History of the Gods of Irish Myth " Heroes of the Gael provides a rich and engaging history of the development and reception of the Gaelic Fenian Cycle, from its earliest beginnings to the present day. It is a milestone publication that will set research agendas in the coming years and it also serves as an introduction to the topic for all those who seek to have a better understanding of Fionn and his Fianna."-- Síle Ní Mhurchú, University College Cork " Heroes of the Gael is a wonderful addition to the growing corpus of Fenian studies. Engaging with a tradition spanning approximately 1,400 years, the volume's particular focus on Fenian Cycle materials from the eighteenth century onwards is especially welcome. A thorough and thoughtful work of scholarship: highly recommended!"-- Kevin Murray, author of The Early Finn Cycle "A very exciting and innovative work, the fruit of exhaustive research, and likely to have a major scholarly impact. The author is a major researcher in the fields of Irish and Scottish Gaelic literature and folklore and the key scholar working on the Fenian tradition across these fields.

This book will cement her reputation."-- Diarmuid Ó Giolláin, University of Notre Dame "This volume is a significant contribution that will quickly become an essential point of reference in the growing field of Fenian Cycle Studies, as a cornerstone work of literary history."-- Geraldine Parsons, University of Glasgow.