Perhaps because they occupy different spaces in the artistic ecosystem, painters and writers seem to have a special affinity, often complementing (and complimenting) each other rather than competing. This is certainly the case in the beautiful "Lines of Vision," an anthology published in celebration of the National Gallery of Ireland's 150th birthday.

Fifty-six Irish writers were invited to submit a poem, story or essay inspired by one of the works in the National Gallery; each literary creation is accompanied by a high-quality reproduction of the art that triggered it. The Table of Contents reads like a Who's Who of Irish writers, ranging from the internationally renowned (such as Roddy Doyle, John Banville and Seamus Heaney) to those lesser known on this side of the pond but well worth discovering (such as Aoife Mannix, Macdara Woods and Paula Meehan).

The most engaging element of the collection is definitely its quirkiness. Some writers, such as Banville, respond directly and insightfully to a painting; others, such as Evelyn Conlon, imagine themselves into the subject's consciousness; some riff on memories, while still others use the painting as a springboard, vaulting far away from the original inspiration. Seamus Heaney's last poem, "Banks of a Canal," written 10 days before his death, is but one of many treasures in the volume.

This is an ideal bedside book because each selection is self-contained: You could study the painting, read the response and drift off to dreams of art and literature. It would make a great gift, but you'll probably want to buy two so the temptation to keep it won't overpower your impulse to generosity.

PATRICIA HAGEN