1945; E.P. Dutton & Company publishers, New York; "Engravings by the Author"; hardbound in green boards with red and gilt designs on the cover and spine; very good condition with unmarked pages; no dust jacket.
 
Description -
Here is the simple and ancient life which still exists in Ireland, centered in tiny villages in the southern and western part of the Irish Free State.  Gibbings finds every part of that life absorbing.  As a naturalist he is sensitive to the bird life of the western counties and islands, and describes iwth an accurate beauty these winged inhabitants.
 
Readers of Robert Gibbings previous illustrated tales of river life 'Sweet thames Run Softly' and 'Coming Down The Wye' will need no introduction to the unique style that this author uses to explore the people and places that he describes with warmth and affectionate good humour . But the real reason that his books have become so collectable is the delicate and evocative engravings with which he illustrates his subject.
 
 "... Surely in days of so many fatigues and anxieties there willbe lucky readers to welcome a book that has no purpose but to suggest the beauty of the world, the childlike good humor of country people. . here are learning and comedy and beauty and sadness, in a wise and tender proportion. Here are unspoiled people accepted on their own terms, as the artist prefers to accept. ." from a review by Christopher Morley