The Wind Beneath the Stone

“With an infectious zeal…The Wind Beneath the Stone lifts spirits as much as stones.”—Booklist

“Fascinating, strange, groundbreaking research in an area that intersects folklore, history, mythology and strength training.”—The Blindboy Podcast

“A grand tale told with vigour and charm. I found this book, unlike its weighty subject, easy to pick up and hard to put down.”—Peter Ross, author of Upon A White Horse

“A fascinating read … This book is not just about David’s ability to lift great stones. By answering the call of the stones, he has rediscovered a deep spiritual connection to the Draíocht – the magic – of the landscape, folklore, mythology, history and the language of Ireland. Through his relationship with the stones, he describes a journey of reclamation and healing, and of becoming at one with this land.”—Eimear Burke, Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids

“A gripping and glorious tale of the rediscovery of a lost Irish custom and the hunting down of the stones of strength themselves, which amazingly turn out to survive all over the country. David Keohan reveals how folklore offers profound connection to the landscape and the past – and the fine adventure there is to be had in seeking out (and in his case lifting!) storied stones.”—Fiona Robertson, author of Stone Lands

“An excellent piece of literature embracing social history, folklore and storytelling with a nice literary style. A journey that enlightens and informs but also encourages us to reacquaint ourselves with what belongs to all of us: our language in its entirety and not just in its words.”—Sean Ó Coisdealbha

“Strange to say, but this book about lifting heavy ancient stones is a blast of fresh air. An utterly original and joyously uplifting memoir of extreme sport and unearthing folklore.”—John Lewis-Stempel, author of England: A Natural History