The Weather is a Good Storyteller combines some fifty Irish proverbs with the very best of stunning original photographs of Ireland and Irish life.

The proverbs have been researched, translated and given a modern interpretation. Each is illustrated by the work of the very talented Donegal-based photographer Ben Elves. Working in both black and white and full colour, he has created a collection of wonderful photographs, ranging from atmospheric rugged rural land and seascapes to portraits and still life… all works of art in their own right.

This beautifully designed book will appeal to anyone with an affiliation to Ireland, both past and present. It will be appreciated and admired by Irish people, whether living here or overseas It will also be of great interest to tourists of all nationalities.

Photographer Ben Elves has lived in Inishowen, Co. Donegal since 1997. In his photographic art work, he draws his inspiration from the drama of the weather and landscape, the sense of history that successive generations have left after their passing – in architecture, culture, religion and mythology – and from the people themselves.

A contributor to the local press, national magazines and to photographic stock agencies in Ireland and the UK, he has had his work used in fields as diverse as tourism, technology, advertising and publishing, as well as in private and commercial collections.

His website www.benelves.com, won a Gold Award for Excellence as “a top level contribution to arts and to the web community’ by the Bel-Art Project, Portugal in 2005. He was a finalist in “Best Digital Image” category in the 2006 Irish Digital Media Awards, and nominated for Best Digital Image in the Local Government, City and Council Awards.

His first book, The Weather is a Good Storyteller: Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir, also with Carmel Fitzgerald, was published by Ashfield Press in November 2004.

Carmel Fitzgerald grew up in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Her parents were both Irish speakers and her maternal grandmother had a wealth of Irish expressions that she brought into everyday conversation, despite having never learnt the language formally.

Having graduated with an honours degree in languages from University College Galway, Carmel taught French and Spanish through the medium of Irish. She has also an MA in theatre studies from Dublin City University.

Her first book, The Weather is a Good Storyteller: Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir, a collection of proverbs and photographs, was published by Ashfield Press in 2004. Married with three grown up sons, Carmel lives in Glenageary, Co. Dublin.