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.
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.
The producer is Claire Cunningham and the programme is a Rockfinch Production for RTÉ lyric fm. Funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee and by RTÉ. Producer for RTÉ lyric fm: Eoin O’Kelly.
Statue of Frances Browne at Stranorlar Historical Park.
A rare early copy of Granny’s Wonderful Chair.