Tales, by the O’Hara Family

work by John and Michael Banim

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July 14, 2026

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Tales, by the O’Hara Family is a collection of stories written by brothers John and Michael Banim, who often published collaboratively. These tales, first appearing in 1825 and 1826, are noted for their melodramatic invention and focus on Irish peasant life.12

The stories often incorporate elements of superstition and sentimentality, depicting the lives and struggles of the Catholic Irish peasantry. John Banim was dubbed "the Scott of Ireland" for his success with these works. Some of the notable stories within the collection include Michael Banim's Crohoore of the Bill Hook and John Banim's The Fetches and The Nowlans.12

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John and Michael Banim
In 1825 there appeared Tales, by the O’Hara Family, written in collaboration with Michael, who had studied for the bar but had had to take over his father’s business. All three Tales—two by John, The Fetches and John Doe, and one by Michael, Crohoore of the Bill Hook—are remarkable…
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In 1825 there appeared Tales, by the O’Hara Family, written in collaboration with Michael, who had studied for the bar but had had to take over his father’s business. All three Tales—two by John, The Fetches and John Doe, and one by Michael, Crohoore of the Bill Hook—are remarkable…
Read More