"The Well O' The World's End" by Seumas MacManus, illustrated by Richard Bennett; published by The MacMillan Co, New York, 1939, First Edition, First printing, 'Published August 1939' without any other printings listed on the copyright page.

Hard boards, original aqua cloth with black lettering on spine and front boards [some wear and soiling, white # on spine], illustrated endpapers [vintage library and John R. McKarney stamps], 6" x 8.1/2"; signature of John R. McKarney on verso of the front endpaper; black and white frontispiece and b/w illustrations; 189 pages; discarded library book with bared stamps outsides page edges, library bag on bep and label inside back cover - see photos], otherwise clean pages, printed on heavy paper, 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.

Note:
Country restrictions may apply - the lesser expansive Priority or 1st Class shipping may not be available to all countries.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) --------- $10.50
Canada: 1st Class (c 2-6 weeks) -- $24.50
World: 1st Class (c.2-8 weeks) --- $33.50