FLYNN, Mary. Cornelius in Charge. Illustrated by Eileen Coghlan.

Dublin & Cork: The Talbot Press, 1946. First edition. Royal octavo. pp. 128. Quarter blue linen on pictorial boards. A very good copy. Rare.
Mary Flynn is the author of the classic children’s book series featuring Cornelius Rabbit of Tang, a beloved character living near Ballymahon, County Longford, with tales focusing on Irish life, imagination, and home, first published in the 1940s and illustrated by Eileen Coughlan. The series, including Cornelius in Charge, was popular in Ireland, with reprints later by Childrens Press, and remains a charming part of Irish children’s literature.
Eileen Coghlan was born in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, on 18 May 1909, daughter of William Coghlan, a tailor, and his wife Mary, née McClelland. She studied at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art and became a commercial artist, initially illustrating children’s books and school textbooks, later carving out a niche illustrating book jackets, sometimes signing her work EC or Eibhlin Ní Chochlain. She joined the Water Colour Society of Ireland and painted landscapes, town and country scenes, and portraits - her portraits of babies were particularly noted. She also drew cartoons for Dublin Opinion and contributed a weekly illustrated satirical article to the Irish Press as well as regular illustrated articles to the Irish Digest. She died at the Midland General Hospital in Tullamore, County Offaly, on 13 April 1990, following a short illness.

[CAT 164]