Fionn Mac Cumhail is a fascinating mythical and historical figure from Ireland's ancient past, far more interesting and nuanced (in my opinion) than heroes such as the Hound of Ulster, Cuchulainn. I have read several novels about his exploits, but Fionn Mac Cumhail: Champion of Ireland by historian John Matthews places him neatly in a historical context.

Not that Matthews' scholarship is without personal bias; for instance, when describing the Fianna, Ireland's legendary army of warriors who served under Fionn, Matthews says they "kept Ireland safe and law-abiding throughout their existence," adding:

Despite our lack of detailed historical knowledge, we can say without doubt that they must have been one of the finest bands of fighting men ever to have existed.

Well, no, that's not quite how history works, John. Without "detailed historical knowledge," we can't make any lofty assertions "without doubt." I suppose we should forgive him for having some enthusiasm for his topic.

Part of Firebird Books' Heroes & Warriors series, Fionn Mac Cumhail draws comparisons between Fionn and his Fianna with other legendary figure from history, including King Arthur and his Round Table in England, the Homeric sagas of Greece, Charlemagne, Sigurd, and even the lovers Tristan and Isolt, whose ill-fated romance mirrors the saga of Diarmaid and Grainne in the Fionn cycle. Certainly there is a lot alike between Fionn and Arthur, such as the roving band of elite warriors, the heroic and magical deeds, the love triangle that divided a nation, and the desperate final battle.

Matthews devotes a significant portion of the (admittedly brief, 48-page) book to detailing the history of Ireland at the approximate time when Fionn is thought to have lived. Then, he spends several more pages giving brief synopses of some of the highlights of Fionn's rich saga.

Anyone who is unfamiliar with Fionn Mac Cumhail will come away from this book with a fairly good perspective on his life, his lifestyle and the activities for which he is remembered. Even someone who has already read a great deal about Fionn will likely enjoy this brief but thorough refresher.

The Heroes & Warriors series also includes books by various authors on the likes of Boadicea: Warrior Queen of the Celts, Cuchulainn: Hound of Ulster, Macbeth: Scotland's Warrior King, Richard Lionheart: The Crusader King, Charlemagne: Founder of the Holy Roman Empire, El Cid, Champion of Spain, King David: Warlord of Israel, Judas Maccabeus: Rebel of Israel, Chief Joseph: Guardian of the Nez Perce and Crazy Horse: Sacred Warrior of the Sioux. The ones I've read over the years have always provided a worthwhile account of some of history's most notable heroes and warriors. They are solid introductions for readers young and old, although they might be most useful to students looking for biographical resources.