MARIE
Sir, - I have been commissioned to write the first biography of the Dublin-born writer Annie M.P. Smithson (1873-1948).
Miss Smithson was the author of 21 novels and at least two collections of short stories. She was the best-selling novelist of her day, some of her books going into 13 editions. A public health nurse, she was secretary of the Irish Nurses' Union, now the Irish Nurses' Organisation for 13 years. She also edited its monthly magazine.
I would be very grateful if any of your readers could be of assistance in my research into the life and work of Annie M.P. Smithson, in the form of letters, reminiscences, articles etc. Any material sent to me will of course be treated with the greatest of care, and returned as soon as possible.
I would be particularly interested in contacting any members of Annie M.P. Smithson's immediate or extended family. - Yours, etc.
MARIE BASHFORD-SYNNOTT,
33 Shenick Avenue,
Skerries,
Co Dublin.