With the passing of Kerry legend John B. Keane this past May, a terrible gap was left in the literature of Ireland. What will never go away, however, is Keane's body of humorous, biting work. Among Keane's most beloved creations, of course, are his Christmas stories. Now, a new collection, "An Irish Christmas Feast," has over 50 of Keane's tales of holiday charm and local color. Filled with eccentrics and dreamers, Keane's stories show just how extraordinary "ordinary" people are, in this volume which certainly will make a fine holiday gift. ($23 / 415 pages / Carroll & Graf)