Richard Kearney shows how stories are deep at work in all forms of writing. He examines the power of the story and its ability to affect both individual and national identity. 'Like the best philosophy, and the best intellectual history, this is serious stuff dealt with a light hand.' - Roy Foster, The Guardian'[Richard Kearney's] argument that appreciating story is an essential part of being human is strong and true.' - The Guardian'Like the best philosophy, and the best intellectual history, this is serious stuff dealt with a light hand.' - Roy Foster, The Guardian'Kearney's chief virtue has always been pedagogical, as a gifted storyteller of ideas, and this work is no exception. The first and final parts are exemplary in this respect, providing a concise and morally robust defence of the importance of structured narratives for the way we make sense of our past, present and future ' - Michael Cronin, The Irish Times'A paean to storytelling...The voice is clear, humane and level-headed. Kearney serves as an guide through this brief history of the ways stories have worked, for better or for worse, in our lives.' - Molly McLoskey, The Sunday Tribune