Ciaran Carson has just released a new translation of Ireland's greatest epic tale, "The Táin," about the Connaught Queen Medh's attempt to steal the stud bull Dunn and the efforts of the teenager Cchulainn. With the recent film version of "Beowulf" hitting screens (starring Angelina Jolie among others) now may be the time for readers to tackle this ancient classic. Dating back to the eighth century, "Táin Bo Cuailnge" (as it is fully known) is a heroic tale and, in the hands of Carson, a readily accessible one. Without minimizing the breadth and poetry of this story, Carson also emphasizes the compelling nature of the plot. ($24.95 / 256 pages / Viking)