Longes Mac n-Isnig: Being the Exile and Death of the Sons of Usnech.

Bookseller Notes

Signed by the illustrator on the initial blank: 'from Mia Cranwill, Xmas 1955'. Laid in are two autograph letters from Cranwill to the dancer and artist Claire Faraci: the first, 1p., from the time of the inscription, thanks Faraci and her mother for the cards and sends this book; the second, 2pp., from ten years later, explains that she no longer writes much 'since my right hand is crippled' and remembers a childhood gift as well as mentioning that Faraci's aunt often visits. Though explaining in some detail her poor health, Cranwill insists that she is 'always serene & happy'.Cranwill and Faraci had both been born in Ireland and moved to England in their youth (Cranwill returned to Dublin, whereas Faraci ended up in New York); the majority of her career was spent in metalwork, and her Celtic designs in this book have elements of that medium.Accompanied by an issue of 'The Irish Housewife Annual' from 1958, with an article on Cranwill's career.