"The Well O' The World's End and Other Folk Tales". Retold by Seumas MacManus, illustrated by Richard Bennett, published by Devin Adair Co, New York, stated re-issue 1949 [1st edition was issued in 1939].

Hard cover, original cloth stamped with past down illustration (some wear and soiling), 5.1/2" x 8", pencil written owner name on front endpaper, creased endpaper on back board; 189 pages, several b/w text illustrations, some wear and soiling, a few page corner folds, good+/ very good condition.

"A world of magical mystery and wondrous happenings. There are giants to be outwitted, witches to be scorned, hazardous rivers to cross and treacherous mountains to scale. Always it is the courage and daring of youth pitting his wits against those of greater physical strength and experience and magical power and always it is youth who wins! Richard Bennett's illustrations in bold black and white are a delightful interpretation of the spirit and background of the book." [from a review].

Seumas MacManus (1867-1960) was an Irish author, dramatist, and poet known for his ability to reinterpret Irish folktales for modern audiences.

Seamus MacManus is considered by many to be the last great seanchai, or storyteller of the ancient oral tradition. He wrote down and interpreted traditional stories so that they would not be lost to future generations. In one book he encourages the reader to read the stories aloud and to others. "These tales were made not for reading, but for telling. They were made and told for the passing of long nights, for the shortening of weary journeys, for entertaining of traveler-guests, for brightening of cabin hearths. Be not content with reading them... And grateful be to the shanachies who passed these tales to me, for you - Sean O'Hegarty, Mairghid Burns, Eoghain O'Cuinn, and the Bacach Ruadh. May God grant their souls rest."

Richard Bennett (1899-1971) was a nationally known American printmaker, painter, and illustrator. A leading children’s book author and illustrator, he received national recognition for his woodblock prints and engravings. He was part of the inner circle of leading Northwest artists including Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, Kenneth Callahan, and Guy Anderson. In New York he became close to a group of artists and scholars that included the Abstract Expressionist Theodoros Stamos, etcher Thomas Handforth, and the scholar Edmond Tolk. Among the many children's books he illustrated are the Paul Bunyon stories, Treasure Island, and Betty MacDonald's The Egg and I and Mrs. Piggle Wiggle.

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