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.

"'A celebrated biography.'" - RTE Radio 1

"‘Seamus Murphy believed that people with talent would always find something worthwhile to do.’" - Irish Examiner