The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries records reported beliefs about fairy beings across Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany. W. Y. Evans-Wentz combines field research with testimony from local witnesses, alongside introductions by figures including Douglas Hyde, Alexander Carmichael, Sophia Morrison, John Rhŷs, Henry Jenner and Anatole Le Braz.

The study then examines these accounts through folklore, anthropology, archaeology, paganism, Christianity and psychology. Its subjects include fairy tribes, the Celtic Otherworld, rebirth, changeling beliefs, magic, witchcraft, exorcism and taboos concerning names, food, iron and places. Evans-Wentz also considers whether the traditions reflect a wider animistic understanding of spiritual beings and the natural world.