Stone Mad

50th Anniversary Edition

In this beloved memoir, Seamus Murphy tells the story of his seven-year stone carving apprenticeship in Ireland. His artistic sensitivity matched his fellow craftsmen's reverence for 'the well made thing,' creating a tale of warmth, humour, and profound beauty.

50th Anniversary Edition. Paperback.

'In the sharply formal conversations of the stonemen, the bittersweet flavour of provincial Ireland is presented with neither sentiment nor adornment.' —William Trevor, The Guardian

'The men who have gone before us have left us a heritage to be proud of; and we feel our own contribution has been for the good.' —Seamus Murphy, from the preface to Stone Mad.

In 'Stone Mad' Seamus Murphy tells the story of his seven years spent as an apprentice to the stone carving trade, the growing knowledge of the challenges and joys of stone – and of the men who worked it. His artistic feeling for the quality responded to his workmates' reverence for ‘the well made thing’. The result is a book of surpassing beauty, full of warmth, humour and profound perception.

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