Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry can be considered to be Carleton's greatest work. It went through a number of transformations before the 'definitive edition' was published in 1842-44. This edition was the last that Carleton actually oversaw; thus it is the culmination of his own work on the collection, and for this reason is the edition we publish. Volume 1 contains Professor Hayley's foreword Carleton's Auto-biographical Introduction - 'Ned M'Keown' - 'The Three Tasks' - 'Shane Fadh's Wedding - 'Larry M'Farland's Wake' - 'The Battle of the Factions' - 'The Station' - 'The Party Fight and Funeral' - 'The Lough Derg Pilgrim' - 'The Hedge School' - 'The Midnight Mass' - 'The Donagh', or 'The Horse-stealers' - 'Phil Purcel the Pig-Driver'