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 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

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 93,000 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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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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Benjamin West and the Taste of His Times

Description

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Night Studies: Stories of Life in a West African Village

Description

What's it like to live in an African village?

The sixteen related short stories in "Night Studies" take us inside the experience. Adopted by two village boys, Effiong and little Etim, the narrator is drawn into the life of the West African village of Akai Isong. He has been posted there to teach in the local school but spends most of his time learning.

In the title story, "Night Studies," he begins to understand the West African magic called juju. It is a prominent theme in several other stories as well and through them we see that juju is not a collection of nonsensical superstitions but is a useful and important part of the lives of the villagers.

These stories are not only filled with insight; they are engaging stories in themselves. "I both laughed and cried as I read..." remarked one reader of the adventures and misadventures of the narrator as he gets mixed up with local matchmaking, tries to introduce out-of-season sweet corn, and is required to embrace all the village women. "Shakespeare will debut in Akai Isong at noon," he states at the beginning of "That Cassius," and the disaster that follows manages to be both hilarious and profound.

This is an Africa we seldom see, an Africa of warm hospitality and tolerance, and the humanity and wisdom in these stories lead us to examine our own lives and values. If you are interested in Africa, this book will turn you into a lover; if you love Africa, "Night Studies" is a feast.

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Customer Reviews

AMAZING BOOK!
I loved this book! The author really has special insight into the traditions, beliefs, and events - big and small - that make up the life of a West African village. His warmth, humor, and love of the people that he writes about comes through on every page. I had this book with me when I was travelling through Nigeria and had to wrestle it away from my travelling companion. Definitely recommend this - and his other book "Under the Lemon Tree." Loved them both!!

2005-04-19 | girl seeks world | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Delightful book
What an utterly charming book. I want more. I was born and raised in Northern Nigeria and can just picture in my mind the faces and voices of the children his book. His love and relaxed understanding of the people is rare.

2005-01-24 (San Diego) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Life, Studies,and Works of Benjamin West

Description

John Galt was an early 19th century Scottish novelist. In 1824 he moved to Canada to become the secretary for the Canada Company. He later returned to England where he spent a few months in prison for failure to pay his debts. Benjamin West was an Anglo-American painter of historical scenes around the time of the Revolutionary War. In 1760 West traveled to Italy. On his return he was friends with Benjamin Franklin and painted a famous portrait of Franklin. In 1763 he moved to England where he was commissioned to paint portraits of the royal family. West called his style of painting "epic representation" in which his bold use of color, and expressive figures made his paintings come alive.

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