Teapots Are Out and Other Eccentric Tales from Ireland

A short story collection epitomizing the late Irish author's folkloric imagination and storytelling arts.

In these tales, literary legend John B. Keane views the foibles and fallibilities of Irish country folk with abundant compassion as well as a shrewd, sometimes sardonic eye. Add to that his 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 mind—and beyond the folly finds their humanity.

Praise for John B. Keane

“Sheer readability . . . sweet observations that are rich with irony, humor and color characters.” —Chicago Tribune

“A sage, sardonic voice . . . handle[s] sentiment in a way that respects both the story and the audience.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Creates a charming emotional map of a fictitious but authentic-seeming place.” —The Boston Globe