Biddy Early: The Wise Woman of Clare is an intriguing book that transports readers to a quaint two-roomed thatched cottage nestled between the Clare hills, overlooking Kilbarron Lake in Ireland. This was the home of the notorious red-headed Biddy Early , a figure shrouded in mystery and debate. Arguments persist about whether Biddy was a witch or a divinely gifted individual. Throughout this book, the reader is immersed in the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and history, as the mention of Biddy Early's name in any part of Ireland, particularly in County Clare, evokes a flood of astonishing stories, cures, prophecies, warnings, and broken spells. The narrative explores her life, being four times widowed, and the legendary 'magic bottle' she possessed. This bottle, always kept within reach and hidden under a shawl when she travelled, was her tool for clairvoyance, much like a crystal ball, offering her insights and answers. The book masterfully blends fact, legend, and mystery, offering a comprehensive portrayal of Biddy Early, a figure who continues to fascinate and mystify. It's an essential read for those interested in Irish folklore, women's history, and the enduring power of myth and legend in shaping our understanding of the past. 'Unlike the crime or detective novels that originated in Britain, Ireland's mystery writing developed differently, reflecting that country's economic, political, and social development. Early 20th-century Ireland was mainly an agrarian society. Apart from the Anglo-Irish ascendancy, most people were unlikely to enjoy the privilege of sitting by the fireside of an evening to read. There was, however, a strong tradition of oral storytelling, including tales of the bogeyman, the banshee, and changeling children. Two such real-life Irish mysteries have their roots in this agrarian tradition. The Colleen Bawn tells the story of Ellen Hanley. Born in 1803 in County Limerick, by age fifteen, she was known as the Colleen Bawn, meaning pretty girl. John Scanlan, a landowner, persuaded her to marry him. It's unclear whether the marriage was real or bogus. It happened unbeknownst to Scanlan's mother who'd negotiated a match that would bring a dowry. Six weeks later, Scanlan arranged for his manservant, Stephen Sullivan, to kill Ellen. Scanlan was arrested and brought to trial. Because of his social standing, the trial created a sensation. It was assumed he would be acquitted as it was felt that one of the ascendancy shouldn't suffer for a crime against a commoner. However, Scanlan was found guilty and hanged. Stephen Sullivan went into hiding but when found months later, he was also hanged. Another woman from this rural tradition inspired fear and respect. Her life is chronicled in Biddy Early: The Wise Woman of Clare by Meda Ryan. Biddy was a mystic, born in 1798. She had a magic glass bottle that she used to foretell death and disaster. An attempt was made to try her for witchcraft but at the last minute, all the witnesses refused to testify. Working as a servant on the estate of landlord Sheehy, she joined tenants petitioning him to stop raising rents. She was evicted. That night, three other evicted tenants murdered Sheehy. It was said that Biddy foretold Sheehy of his impending doom as he threw her out of her cottage. She had four husbands and outlived them all. Her last husband was in his thirties, four decades younger than Biddy.' - Siobhan MacDonald Meda Ryan was born in West Cork and educated at University College Cork and New York City College. A historian and journalist, she is theauthor of many books, including Tom Barry: IRA Freedom Fighter, and Michael Collins and the Women Who Spied for Ireland. Used Book in Good Condition