The Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) stands as the centrepiece of the Ulster Cycle, a collection of heroic tales from early Irish literature dating from the 8th century CE. This epic narrative, which blends pre-Christian mythology with proto-historical elements, represents one of the most significant works of early European literature and continues to influence Irish cultural identity.

The epic recounts the story of Queen Medb of Connacht's attempt to steal the prized Brown Bull of Cúailnge from Ulster, and how the teenage hero Cúchulainn single-handedly defends his province against her armies while the other Ulster warriors are incapacitated by a curse. Through extraordinary feats of martial prowess, supernatural transformations, and tactical ingenuity, Cúchulainn holds off the invaders until his fellow warriors recover and join the battle.

Thomas Kinsella's acclaimed 1969 translation, referenced here, draws primarily from two medieval manuscripts—the 12th-century Book of Leinster and the earlier but more fragmentary Book of the Dun Cow—supplemented by elements from other versions. His work also incorporates related stories that provide context for the central action, offering readers a more complete understanding of the epic's complex narrative and characters.

This edition is distinguished by its inclusion of brush drawings by Louis le Brocquy, one of Ireland's most significant 20th-century artists. Le Brocquy's stark, minimalist illustrations offer a modernist interpretation of these ancient tales, creating a visual language that captures the primal energy of the text while avoiding anachronistic historical representation.

The combination of Kinsella's poetic translation and le Brocquy's evocative artwork creates a version of The Táin that bridges ancient and contemporary sensibilities, demonstrating how mythological narratives can be continuously reinterpreted while maintaining their essential power and relevance across centuries.