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The Madman's Window: & Other Tales of the Antrim Coast
£7.99
A spellbinding collection of Irish and Hebridean folk tales — rich with ghosts, faeries, warriors, shipwrecks, and the timeless magic of the Antrim Coast.
Stories shaped by sea, landscape, memory, and the ancient storytelling traditions of the Glens.
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About the Ebook
The Madman’s Window & Other Tales of the Antrim Coast
The Madman’s Window gathers a rich tapestry of folk tales rooted in the Glens of Antrim — stories shaped by battles, shipwrecks, wolves, ghosts, faeries, shape‑shifters, and the oral traditions that once defined everyday life along this rugged coastline.
The collection blends original tales inspired by local lore with re‑imagined folklore, history, and traditional narratives. Ten haunting black‑and‑white illustrations by Katherine Soutar bring added depth and atmosphere to these magical Irish stories.
The Kingdom of Dal Riata
In a note from the author, Colin Urwin explores the ancient cultural connections between the Glens of Antrim and the Inner Hebrides. For centuries, people crossed the narrow Sea of Moyle to trade, marry, and share songs and stories. This book honours that shared heritage by including tales from several Hebridean islands — stories that, to the author’s ear, belong to the same mythic landscape.
A captivating, timeless collection for lovers of folklore, mythology, and the oral storytelling traditions of Ireland and Scotland.
Critical Praise
"This wonderful book brings to life a time before the tyranny of modern technology, when storytellers and musicians were still an integral part of our rural communities… These stories retain that vital element of mystery, suspense and haunting spirituality that hooks the reader until the very end."
— Randal McDonnell, 15th Earl of Antrim
"Colin Urwin is a well‑known storyteller of the Irish oral tradition… From selkies to warriors with second sight, each story offers a glimpse into an otherworld once familiar to our ancestors. A must for those who love good tales well told."
— Felix McKillop, Educator, Historian, Author
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- A rich blend of folklore, myth, and re‑imagined tradition from the Glens of Antrim and the Hebrides.
- Ten haunting illustrations by renowned artist Katherine Soutar.
- Stories shaped by landscape and heritage — steeped in the magic of the Antrim Coast.
- Perfect for fans of Celtic folklore, oral storytelling, and mythic fiction.
- An Orkneyology Press title celebrating cultural memory and place‑based storytelling.
About the Author
Colin Urwin – Storyteller, Singer, and Modern‑Day Seanchaí
Colin Urwin is a folk‑singer, songwriter, storyteller, and author steeped in the language, lore, and traditions of the Glens of Antrim. Inspired by the rugged romance of the northeast coast of Ireland, he weaves together ballads, monologues, and tales shaped by history, legend, and lived experience.
He regularly performs at storytelling and music events across Ireland, Scotland, and internationally, sharing the rich oral traditions of his homeland with audiences around the world.
Learn more at colinurwin.com.
About the Illustrator
Katherine Soutar – Artist, Illustrator, and Keeper of Folktale Imagery
Katherine Soutar is an illustrator known for her evocative, folklore‑inspired artwork. With over a decade of experience creating covers for the Folktales of Britain and Ireland series, she has produced more than one hundred book covers and continues to collaborate with storytellers, poets, and publishers.
Her work explores how personal stories and emotional resonance shape visual storytelling, bringing myth and folklore vividly to life.
Publication Details
Publisher: Orkneyology Press
Publication Date: 31 August 2024
Print Length: 210 pages
Format: Ebook
Language: English
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