Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin

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.

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Customer Reviews

Benjamin West
Benjamin 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.

2007-02-17 | art aficionado (Washington, DC) | Helpful Votes: 6 | Rating: 5

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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.

2001-01-31 | Helpful Votes: 14 | Rating: 5

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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.

2001-01-31 | lmmeier (Reeseville, WI) | Helpful Votes: 10 | Rating: 5

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The Paintings of Benjamin West (A Barra Foundation book)

Description

An illustrated catalogue raisonne of the work of Benjamin West. This volume, illustrated with over one hundred color plates, illuminates the course of West's art during his seventy-year career.

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Customer Reviews

Great Photos and Historical Reference for West Family
As a 6th generation descendant, it's great to find a published tome of Bejamin's artwork. The self portrait of Benjamin bears a striking resemblance to my younger brother Steven. All West descendants should own a copy!

2007-01-18 | Workplace Performance Innovator (Omaha, NE USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Boy Who Loved to Draw: Benjamin West

Description

When Benjamin was seven years old, the only thing in the world he wanted to do was draw pictures. Sometimes it got him into trouble—when he "borrowed" Papa"s best quill pen, when he drew the cows instead of milking them for Mama, when he used the cat"s fur for brushes—but it also led him to some surprising adventures. Here, in lively words and vivid pictures, is the engaging true story of Benjamin West, the farm boy from colonial Pennsylvania who grew up to become the first world-famous American artist.

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Customer Reviews

Very pleased with this book
I was delighted to find so many books about Benjamin West, the great American painter. While doing the regular tedious and sometimes boring genealogy work online I was amazed and nearly hysterical to find out that I am related to Benjamin West! I checked, and re-checked for 3 days before it sunk it that it was true! Then to find so much is available at Amazon so I can learn about this ancestor who lived so long ago...thank you...I can't wait to make my next purchase on Benjamin West. "The Boy Who Loved To Draw" is for my grandsons to read.

2010-06-16 | history buff (LAFAYETTE, IN, US) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Gentle Encouragement for Budding Young Artists
In Orbiting the Giant Hairball, the author tells how all children feel they are talented artists at age 6. By age 10, most are too inhibited to continue with art. That is a great loss to the children and to the world.

This heart-warming book is written in a way to encourage the natural interest of almost all children in exploring art. Young Benjamin West was always afraid that he will get in trouble with his artistic experiments, yet his parents and family were encouraging. These tales will help young people think that perhaps the adults in their lives will be encouraging as well. They will also appreciate that Benjamin West had many obstacles to overcome, like not having a pen to draw with, no paints, and no idea of what a paint brush was. That will help the young person realize that they should be more likely to succeed. West's evolution as an artist is also a good one for a young person. Start by drawing from life, gradually learn to add color, then meet other artists, and go on to get a art education.

As perfect as that is, it also turns out to be an accurate biographical statement of Benjamin West's life. Drawing on West's own recollections of these years and his biography, the book paints an artistically-focused picture of West's life as the 10th of 10 children. I especially loved how he discovered that he liked to draw, the way he got his first paints (from the local Native Americans and his Mother), and made his first paint brush (using hairs from his cat).

The book is also beautifully illustrated in a style to make the story inviting. I only wish that the book had included more and larger reproductions of West's work.

Be sure to share this book with the young people in your life around age 6. You may be able to help them avoid developing the misconception that they will not be able to become artists. These days there are many wonderful ways to use art as a vocation and as a hobby to bring great personal satisfaction. This book is a great way to facilitate that, and make the world a more beautiful and meaningful place.

Donald Mitchell

Coauthor of The Irresistible Growth Enterprise (available in September 2000) and The 2,000 Percent Solution

(donmitch@fastforward400.com)

2000-07-24 | Jesus Makes Me a Practical Optimist (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 97,000 Helpful Votes Globally) | Helpful Votes: 10 | Rating: 5

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BENJAMIN WEST, HUMBLE ARTIST BEGINNING...
This is a true story about Benjamin West, a native of Pennsylvania, who, during the colonial times, set forth to become a world famous artist. From his first pen and ink drawing at the age of seven, the author details events that lead to the rich and wonderful career this artist had. This book explains how a young Quaker boy from Lancaster County eventually became known around the world as the father of American art. A little extra humor with the cat...

2000-06-26 | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 4

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Valiant Hero: Benjamin West and Grand-Style History Painting (New Directions in American Art)

Description

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The Eight of Spades, A Law unto Themselves

Description

Eight handpicked people, chosen for their individual skills and beliefs are snatched from their everyday lives and blackmailed into serving their country. The team is trained to be the finest fighters on land, sea and in the air just as the Government intended, but then the unexpected occurs. With sheer daring and determination, they steal a highly advanced super ship belonging to the Royal Navy and rename it the Intruder. With the British Government denying all knowledge of their very existence the group transform themselves into Public Enemy Number 1, the invincible, enigmatic, Eight of Spades. But when the team undertakes the challenge of clearing the Icelandic waters of the fearful gunboats that harass British trawlers during the 1976 Cod War, they find themselves nose-to-nose with the Navy they just humiliated. The Navy wants their ship back preferably in one piece but if all else fails, a million pieces will suffice. No one knows who they are, where they come from or where they disappear to. About the Author: Benjamin J. West is a lifelong resident of Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire. He currently works in food wholesale, but hopes to soon retire and write full time. His inspiration comes from the sheer power of the pen when put to paper and from all of the interesting characters we find in our everyday lives. A sequel to The Eight of Spades is currently in production.

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Customer Reviews

A new writer and a very interesting find indeed....
A new writer and a very interesting find indeed.
This book keeps you encapsulated right from the start with frighteningly realistic characters. The book is an account of action and adventure endemic with political greed, corruption and anything else you would like to name.
With many a twisting turn the plot thickens and it is conspiracy all the way to the end.
A team undertakes the challenge of clearing Icelandic waters of the fearful gunboats that harass British trawlers during the 1976 Cod War with a stolen ship from the Royal Navy. The Navy wants their ship back, preferably in one piece, but if all else fails then a million pieces will do.
This hardback is not for the feint hearted and certainly not to be missed, it is sadly your loss if you do not read this fabulous book from an unknown source.

2010-08-15 (USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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A Gripping Tale You Can't Put Down....
A gripping tale that I could not put down, from start to finish, the overall story is absolutely astonishing.
The plot diverts here and there, at every possible angle leaving nothing to the imagination, it almost does your thinking for you and that is scary in itself.
A group of eight people who were secretly chosen by the British Government are blackmailed and trained to be the finest fighters who steal a Royal Navy super ship and start creating havoc, the Navy wants their ship back so they are fighting them too.
It is adventure on the high seas mixed in with a love tangle that keeps you guessing all the way through, even at the end you are not sure.
Overall it is a fantastic story that ends in such a way that there must be a follow up so hopefully it won't be too long before we find out how it really ends.
Thank you for a very gripping story with plenty of intrigue.

2010-08-13 | Norman Edelen, Author of "After A While You Wonder" (USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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An Exciting and Well Crafted Plot
This is an exciting and well crafted plot from a writer that I have never heard of.
It is an action packed adventure that sets off slowly setting the scene that gradually builds and builds finally swelling to an electrifying crescendo that certainly makes you think twice.
It is about eight handpicked people chosen for their skills and beliefs are snatched from their everyday lives and blackmailed into serving their country
It is crammed with futuristic gadgets that are more than realistic.
The characters are very true to life and you could imagine the whole story being reality, maybe it is and we don't know it yet!
All in all a very good read and I enjoyed it immensely. The wife has read it and she enjoyed it just as much as I did.
Well done Mr. B.J. West

2010-08-11 (India) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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I was spellbound by this book right from the very start......

I was spellbound by this book right from the very start. It came to me highly recommended by a friend and it unquestionably did not disappoint.
The plot is brilliantly choreographed leaving you begging for more, the answers are all there but not always obvious.
There is even a love plot thrown in that was slightly unexpected but nonetheless vital to the story line.
With a story line like this it could be happening now, next week or has it occurred already and we don't know it yet?
Eight people are hood winked into solving their country's political failings, they reap havoc in Iceland and with the British Royal Navy after they have stolen the Navy's latest super ship.
On the downside, don't pick the book up unless you have plenty of time, you will burn the midnight oil so make sure you have plenty of it.
Taken as a whole it is a brilliant book from an author I have never heard of so come on Benjamin J. West where is the sequel?

2010-04-16 | Florida Book Review (USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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The Life and Studies of Benjamin West, Esq: President of the Royal Academy of London, Prior to His Arrival in England

Description

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

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