Charles M. Russell: Photographing the Legend (Volume 15) (The Charles M. Russell Center Series on Art and Photography of the American West)
Category: Books,Biographies & Memoirs,Arts & Literature
Charles M. Russell: Photographing the Legend (Volume 15) (The Charles M. Russell Center Series on Art and Photography of the American West) Details
Review "Charles M. Russell: Photographing the Legend is a coffee-table book offering both an in-depth biography and a wealth of photography about Charles M. Russell (1864–1926), an artist, storyteller, and author also known as the 'Cowboy Artist,' famous for capturing iconic memories of the American West. Most of the vintage photographs are in black-and-white, given the technological limitations of Russell's time; occasional reproductions of art and other images are in color. Many of the hundreds of photographs of Russell have never before been published; they capture him riding horses, at his log cabin studio, 'almost cracking a smile' with his infant adopted son, and much more. Thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Charles M. Russell: Photographing the Legend is captivating from cover to cover, and a welcome contribution to public and college library biography shelves—as well as a fine gift for any connoisseur of Russell's classic works. Highly recommended."—Midwest Book Review"This is a masterful biographical study of Charles M. Russell, one of the most popular and engaging of all artists of the American West. Meticulously printed and organized, and beautifully illustrated with photographs that capture almost every nuance of Russell's life, it portrays the ways in which his art, reputation, and appearance and lasting memories of him were perpetuated by photography. Most distinguished American photographers who traveled west of the Mississippi River during the late 19th and early 20th centuries sought to capture this 'cowboy artist' through their lens; they included Edward S. Curtis, Roland Reed, Harry Pollard, Sumner W. Matteson, Almeron J. Baker, M. O. Hammond, Clarence S. Bull, Hildore C. Eklund, and Dorothea Lange. Also featured are images that were less posed and that bear the whimsical characteristics of photographs made at a given opportunity, with less sophisticated equipment, by less recognized photographers. While the work focuses on the photographs that chronicle Russell's life, this volume by independent scholar/collector Peterson is also an excellent appraisal of Russell's life, career, and accomplishments. Few artists have had their lives so pervasively and poignantly chronicled in photographs."—Choice Magazine Read more About the Author Larry Len Peterson, a native of Plentywood, Montana, is an enthusiastic art collector and an acknowledged expert on art and art history of the American West. His publications include Charles M. Russell: Legacy; Philip R. Goodwin: America's Sporting and Wildlife Artist; and L.A. Huffman: Photographer of the American West. Peterson is the recipient of two Western Heritage Awards and the Scriver Bronze.<>Brian W. Dippie is retired as Professor of History at the University of Victoria, British Columbia. The leading authority on Russell, he is the author of numerous books and articles on the history and art of the American West, including The Vanishing American: White Attitudes and U.S. Indian Policy and Charles M. Russell: Word Painter. Read more
Reviews
The western art world should be salivating....For if there is one definitive book on CM Russell that best captures the life and times of the iconic artist and man, Peterson's book definitely is their feast.Peterson's focus on historical accuracy and his endearing knowledge of Russell and his art continues to reflect Peterson's solid reputation for creating a quality piece of art in itself.From the cover to the last page, this piece truly reflects Peterson's methodical grasp for detail and he even goes so far as to include previously unseen pictures of Russell and record unread stories about Russell's life that have never been documented in former editions.This book reflects the relentless spirit of both the author, Peterson, and the artist, Russell, who took and still take readers and viewers on an adventure beyond today's digital word and concrete world.This is a quality offering showcasing the genius of a common man, and reflecting his gift and passion for the west and for those who made it so very extraordinary.
