The life and work of Frances Browne (1816-1879), poet, journalist, novelist, short-story writer and best-selling children’s author. Presented by Shirley-Anne Godfrey.

FORTHCOMING: RTÉ lyric fm, autumn 2025.

Born in Stranorlar in County Donegal, Frances Browne became a literary celebrity.

She was blinded by smallpox as a very small child, but through talent and ambition became a successful writer, publishing three collections of poetry, three novels, and many short stories and essays. She was a prolific journalist and reviewer for many prominent magazines and is chiefly remembered for her best-selling children’s storybook Granny’s Wonderful Chair (1857).

The legacy and spirit of Frances Browne are celebrated each year at the Annual Frances Browne Literary Festival.

Statue of Frances Browne at Stranorlar Historical Park.

A rare early copy of Granny’s Wonderful Chair.