Description
"Today Benjamin West is remembered because he was the father of American painting; and many like to think of him as the only American ever to become President of the Royal Academy of England. But I like to remember him as the boy who wanted so very much to paint that he dug his colors out of the ground and made his brushes from his cat's tail."--Marguerite Henry Benjamin West grew up in a deeply religious Quaker family, where Quaker beliefs forbid the creation of images. But little Benjamin was born with an extraordinary gift--a gift of creating paintings of people, animals, and landscapes so true to life they "took one's breath away." How Benjamin's dilemma is solved makes for a delightful biography enhanced with Henry's whimsical illustrations.Customer Reviews
Benjamin WestBenjamin West, displayed natural talent in drawing and painting. These talents were not acceptable in that time because they were not practical.Because of its unusual nature, his talents were subject for discussion @ the weekly Friends Meeting and it was concluded that his talent was God-given and he should be allowed to pursue this special ability. Marguerite Henry has written a very readable chapter book for children, but its also fascinating for adults. The references indicate that she carried out research [c. 10 professional sources]so that it is historically accurate. I remembered some of this background from my grammar school classes in Phildelphia and found, from the depths of my memory, Benjamin West and His Cat, and found it came from a book still in print. I ordered the book from Amazon, read it late one night on returning from the ballet, and still found it captivating. Not only do I recommend this for children, but adults should find it intriguing--and written with clarity.
A Wonderful Children's Biography
Marguerite Henry has a wonderful style of writing that keeps children's attention as they read. This is an excellent biography of a famous artist, and one that any child or adult would truly enjoy (whether or not they were interested in art). Where else can you learn of the ingenuity of a young boy, willing to use hair from his cat's tail to make his own paint brushes. I have read the majority of the books written by Marguerite Henry, and would highly recommend this one as one of her best.
Delightful children's biography
The biography of Benjamin West is a treat for any young person. The author's presentation of Quaker life is informative and accurate, and her style encourages the reader to keep reading. Benjamin West's childhood is well represented as he works, plays, and grows up in colonial America. His strength of character is revealed as he struggles with his desire to paint and draw while living in a culture that views pictures as frivolous and unnecessary. I have read this book with elementary students several times and they are always delighted with the story and learn a great deal about this American artist. Anyone who loves Marguerite Henry's horse stories will enjoy this biography as well.






West Virginia Public Broadcasting it later used against the company, happened in West Virginia. Benjamin's forced removal was not the first time the case garnered national headlines. Justices hear Harman-Massey arguments for third timeState High Court Hears Arguments in Massey, Caperton CaseReed Smith's Stanley Hopes Third Time's the Charm in West Virginia - -all 133 news articles »
Voice of AmericaOp-Ed Contributor The West Bank's Deceptive GrowthIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long tried to substitute the slogan of “economic peace” for genuine progress with the Settlement permits placate Israeli hawksIsrael pushes ahead with East Jerusalem buildingIsrael moves on plans to build in east Jerusalem - -all 1,396 news articles »
Examiner.comWyoming is in the Mountain West with No. 20 BYU, which beat No. 3 Oklahoma, though coach Mack Brown said during Monday's Big 12 coaches teleconference that Pokes to stay with quarterback rotation against TexasScouting the Longhorns' opponent: WyomingLonghorns ready for Wyoming experienceall 72 news articles »
ReutersTel Aviv — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to approve 455 new building units in the West Bank on the eve of a deal that would Israeli PM in 'secret' Russia visit over IranLikud turmoil over West Bank freezeNetanyahu puts his 'moratorium' ducks in order - -all 76 news articles »