Frances Browne was born at Stranorlar, in County Donegal in 1816, the seventh child in a family of twelve. An attack of smallpox when she was 18 months old left her blind for life. During the day, when her mother had time, she would sit with little Frances and tell her fairy stories. Frances was determined to have an education and used to do chores for her brothers and sisters so that they would read to her and recite their school lessons. She worked hard to memorise all she heard. She eventually became a renowned writer, writing numerous pieces for the newspapers and periodicals of the day, as well as children’s books, novels, poetry and short stories. ‘Granny's Wonderful Chair’, her best-known work, is a richly imaginative collection of fairy stories for children aged 7 and up. Published by S. W. Partridge & Co, London, circa 1928. The book is in good condition.