Stickley Style: Arts and Crafts Homes in the Craftsman Tradition

Amazon.com

The Arts & Crafts movement first gained popularity in England in the late 1800s as people became distressed by spreading industrialization and factory goods produced inexpensively with flimsy construction and inferior wood. Seeing that the new system treated workers as machines, the movement sought to revive a craftsmanship of earlier times. In the United States, Gustav Stickley gathered together many of the movement's shared beliefs as he tried to, among other things, clear the clutter typically found in Victorian interiors and replace it with something simpler. The book begins tracing Stickley's life in 1876 when, at 18, he found his life's vocation while working in his uncle's furniture factory in Brandt, Pennsylvania. Through wonderful photos (many of them full-page) and careful wording, David Cathers and Alexander Vertikoff demonstrate a clear appreciation for Stickley's style--unvarnished wood, exposed joinery, strength, no-nonsense forms, and the beauty of integrity. Stickley, in short, devoted his life to celebrating and making visible the elements of construction. The work of others who helped to shape the Arts & Crafts movement--including architect Harvey Ellis, Charles and Henry Greene, Elbert Hubbard's Roycroft community, and Charles Rohlf--is also examined. Among the highlights of the book is Craftsman Farms, an artisan colony, model farm, and school Stickley built on 650 acres, described in its time as "a log cabin idealized." The book also examines Stickley's Colonial Revival House in Syracuse, New York, which he turned into the first Craftsman residential interior after a fire damaged the house on Christmas Eve, 1901. It was also to be the house where Stickley, widowed and nearly penniless, lived out most of his final years (he died in 1942) with his daughter and her five children. Many of the details about Stickley's personal life come from his grandchildren's memories. "He was," one grandchild has written, "almost an evangelist in bringing new thoughts and new appreciation of things artistic and new social thinking. That is something that doesn't go bankrupt and he, as an inspiring person, never did go bankrupt." --John Russell

Book Description

Beginning in the very first year of the twentieth century, Gustav Stickley made furniture that is prized almost a hundred years later for its honesty, simplicity, and usefulness. As a designer and manufacturer who emphasized careful workmanship, respect for natural materials, and simple lines, Stickley had a profound impact on the look of American homes. Today, Arts and Crafts design -- synonymous with Stickley to many people -- has become an American passion.

Elegantly designed and lushly photographed, Stickley Style is the first major publication to explore in full photographic color the central role Stickley played in the development of Arts and Crafts design. Author David Cathers invites us into the world of this influential furniture maker and provides us with an insider's tour of some of the country's most important Stickley collections and interiors. Here, imbued with pure and simple lines, are the comfortable Morris chairs, the upright settles, the solid oak chests, the hammered metalwork, and the delicate textiles that have come to epitomize Stickley's style.

But Stickley was more than a furniture maker -- he was a one-man phenomenon: book and magazine publisher, proponent of a simple and natural lifestyle, and de facto leader of the Arts and Crafts movement in America. Calling the composite of his ideas and activities "the craftsmanship of life," he used the word Craftsman to refer to his houses, his furniture, and his magazine.

Stickley Style captures the excitement and revolutionary zeal of these ideas and this era, a time when Victorian fussiness was being abandoned in the search for a modern way to live. The book opens with a vivid description of the Craftsman idea and describes Stickley's vision of ways to make a house conducive to a life of beauty and contentment. Cathers then goes on to show us the collections in a series of stunning Arts and Crafts homes, including Stickley's own family home in New Jersey. Finally, for those who want to furnish their own homes with appropriate reproductions, an extensive catalogue presents everything from Stickley tables and sideboards to tall case clocks and metal door latches. Throughout, specially commissioned photographs by Alexander Vertikoff show the overall harmony that will make the Stickley style as much a favorite for the new century as it was for the last.

Customer Reviews:

Stunning!.......2006-01-17

Knowing what a nut I am for Stickley and all things relating to the Arts and Crafts movement, my wife bought me this book for Christmas. Believe me when I say that this book is not something you are likely to skim once or twice and then put away. I read the whole thing and found it to be an excellent resource for all who love Stickley's furniture and the Craftsman lifestyle. As a woodworker I can attest that there are loads of great photographs to inspire you to build reproductions of Stickley classics. As a DIY-er I appreciate the home improvement and color scheme ideas that I was able to gather in this book.

As a librarian I have already read and reviewed many books on this subject. I can honestly say that (to-date) this book covers the Arts and Crafts lifestyle as well as any other and is second to none when it comes to understanding the rise and fall of Stickley's style. Highly recommended.

Lovely Book.......2004-06-11

This book is full of lush photographs of Stickley homes. I bought it because it was well-designed, as well as informative. The photo references are impressive, and overall the book pays the same attention to detail that Stickley did. For example, I was impressed that beneath the dust jacket, the cover of the book itself was a beautiful print of a Ginko Flower textile. Almost every page has full color images, and at the back there are individual photo references for furniture, lighting, and decorative items, much like a catalog. The whole thing is indexed as well. Useful as a reference book for research, or an art book to just enjoy.

It becomes the reference book for our house and my ..........2001-10-18

woodworking projects. We moved in this Arts & Crafts house built in 1912 two years ago and started remodeling a bit by bit. Also my woodworking hobby has taken off along with the remodeling. The more we have done on the house, the more we like and the more we want to know about it. I have been in the stores looking at those expensive mission style furnitures and mimic the design on my own piece. I designed every piece I made for the house. Then at the point that we think we need to know more about the history of Arts & Crafts and bigger picture, we bought this book. It is surprisely good book that contains everything we were looking for. Gorgeous pictures, stunning furniture. When we were refinishing the master bedroom, we were looking at the book constantly for ideas and colors. Now the room is done, I am looking forward to making my next project - morris chair. Again, I already know what it will look like from this book. Well, this book is not only for people like me who needs reference but also very nice one for those Arts & Crafts enthusiasts.

Stickley Style : a book worthy in the Craftsman Tradition.......1999-12-06

An excellent book for both the Stickley and Arts & Crafts Movement enthusiast. We recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Pretty good

More than I expected

Watercolor: Pour It On!

Excellent for creative techniques, but not all I hoped for

Loose, free watercolors!

Watercolor: Pour It On! : Let Your Creativity Flow Using Dramatic Color Glazing Techniques
Jan Fabian Wallake
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Watercolor Painting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Watercolor | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1581804873

Book Description

This enjoyable guide takes the fear out of "letting loose" and exploiting the flow of watercolor, empowering artists to trust their instincts and create glazes, rich in depth and luminosity. Step-by-step, artists are led through the process of planning, preparing and applying glazes, covering composition, exaggeration, elimination, repition and contrast. Also inside are 30 methods for producing watercolor images, 3 basic steps to developing a painting and 5 complete demos.

These new techniques will not only improve each artist's ability, they will also make the act of painting a more fulfilling and liberating experience.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good.......2003-09-07

I wish there were even more step by step pictures in here but overall I really like this book. It describes a technique then gives a picture or two to show it. I like a lot some of the newer ideas like using salt and cornstarch to create effects. It talks about softening edges, using glazes, etc. Definitely good for a beginner or intermediate level. I actually use this book in combination with other things like rubber stamping to make my cards more interesting.

More than I expected.......2003-07-10

I was very pleasantly surprised when I got this book.
I was just anticipating lessons on the technique of pouring paint. Yet there was much more.
From brushes to paper to different techniques on how to apply
watercolor,I was definately not dissapointed.
It is very easy to follow.
A good book for any watercolorist to have in their collection.

Watercolor: Pour It On!.......2002-01-16

I am truly excited about the book, Watercolor: Pour It On! As an intermediate-level artist, I feel I have some competency with the basic watercolor skills. I am looking for ways to broaden my scope of techniques, and this book has been a treasure chest for me. It is loaded with step-by-step directions and easy-to-follow sequential photographs.
I find Jan Fabian Wallake's paintings awe-inspiring. I just want to "be there" in looking at each one of them.
The "Thirty Exciting Techniques" ARE exciting and they work! They are fun and easy and they have added new dimensions to my paintings.
I am really impressed with the section on glazing. It is a dynamic technique which has allowed me to move toward a more advanced level of painting.
This is also a visually beautiful book. In addition to the impressive paintings, the graphic layout is enhanced by the use of color, which highlights important information.
I highly recommend this book. It is an inspiration every time I pick it up.

Excellent for creative techniques, but not all I hoped for.......2001-12-28

Here's what I like about "Pour it On"
1. Some creative techniques are given, with complete instructions, like fabric dye, spraying, foam stamping and cornstarch patterns.
2. There's a good section on framing and how to choose the right frame.
3. There's a section on negative spaces (the areas where the drawing "isn't") that helps in composition.
4. There's quite a bit of demonstrations sets of photos from start to finish.

What didn't I like? I found most of the paintings uninspiring. I didn't like the color palettes used, either.

In summary, if you haven't tried some of the more creative watercolor techniques before, this is a great guide. If you are looking for inspiration USING these techniques, I prefer some other similar books by different authors.

Loose, free watercolors!.......2001-11-17

I have been painting with watercolors for a few years and my biggest problem is a fear of "messing up" so I tend to be very controlled. I need to loosen up and enjoy this medium. This book is just what I needed. It beautifully illustrates how to paint with a glazing technique that has gotten me excited about watercolors again. By pouring paint onto wet paper, the author shows how to produce brilliant, clean colors. My paintings usually turn out pale, but now I know how to use this poured glazing technique to get livlier color.
I especially liked the section that shows how to create thirty special textural techniques. There are easy to follow demonstrations and I liked the "helpful hints" that are offered in addition to the written explainations. After reading this book, I remember why I love watercolor so much.

Book Description

Adolphe Sylvain (1920-1991) stopped off in Tahiti in 1946 and, enchanted by the beautiful landscape, welcoming people, and a certain island beauty who called herself Tehani, decided to stay. He settled in and eventually married his hypnotic lover, working as a correspondent for magazines such as Paris Match, Life, and National Geographic. Drawn by an irrepressible desire to capture his surroundings and to share this lost, unknown world with those outside of it, he dedicated himself to photographing the island's many delights. Like Rousseau and Gauguin before him, he was captive to the people and places of a land so radically different from his own and chose it as his principal subject matter. Sylvain's rich, skilled black-and-white images are like visions of an earthly paradise, peopled with half-clad women wearing flowers in their hair, the sun reflecting off of their glowing skin. His images, capturing the timeless beauty of Tahiti, are a testament to the island's powerful magnetism.

After Sylvain's death, his widow Jeanine-Tehani had a dream that a European embarked upon her island country and that she gave to this person all of her husband's photos to be made into a book. In a storybook twist of fate, it just so happened that Tehani's dream became a reality when photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri- born on the same day and hour as Sylvain- stopped off for a visit a few years later. He was mesmerized by Sylvain's photographs and eagerly gathered together his work to take back to Europe. Thus was born Tahiti, woven together by the strands of destiny and the vision of an impassioned photographer.

Tahiti begins with a preface by Barbieri and an introduction by biographer, journalist, and longtime friend of Sylvain, Jean Lacouture, followed by Sylvain's best works, including landscapes, portraits, and images of celebrities visiting the island (such as Brigitte Bardot, Marlon Brando, and Charles de Gaulle). With these luscious, sensual images as evidence, it's not hard to see why Sylvain was enraptured by Tahiti's exotic, ethereal atmosphere, nor why he felt the need to photograph it. Sylvain's work has not met the success it deserves until now, as fate finally brings his photographs to the world with this retrospective tribute.

Customer Reviews:

One of the BEST BOOKS of 2001 !!!.......2001-12-03

This might be the most exciting publication of the entire year! It's certainly one of the most thrilling books published in recent times. It recounts the life's work of Adolphe Sylvain who visited Tahiti in 1946 and, enchanted by the landscape, the people, and a girl named Tehani, decided to stay. He settled in, married his lover, and dedicated himself to photographing the island's many delights while working as a correspondent for magazines such as Paris Match, Life, and National Geographic. His black & white photos are spectacular visions of the earthly paradise that is Tahiti and showcases the splendid beauty of the landscape and its people, especially its girls (...).

This is a true depiction of the Tahitian woman.......2001-08-20

Contrary to what Mr. Mitchell mistakenly states, most of the models in this book are not Madame Sylvain. They are women of Tahiti plain, simple and beautiful. I actually bought this book while in Tahiti and each time I leaf through it I remember the wonderful moments I had in Tahiti. Tahitian people are quite possibly the most beautiful people in the world and Sylvain captures this perfectly.

Exotic Natural Beauty in Paradise.......2001-06-25

Summary: Adolphe Sylvain had an eye for the images that people in developed countries imagine about a fairy tale South Pacific. Many of our ideas about what a tropical paradise is come from his photographs. For a few minutes, you can imagine yourself to be part of a local village of people who fish for a living back in the 1940s and 1950s. This book is dominated by scenes of native Polynesians enjoying the natural beauty of Tahiti. The model is most frequently M. Sylvain's Tahitian wife, nee Ms. Jeanine Tehani Vidal, whom he married in 1946.

Content Caution: Before proceeding further, please realize (as the cover image indicates) that this book is filled with photographs of topless and nude female models, usually the photographer's wife. These images would earn this book's material an R rating if it were a motion picture.

Review: M. Sylvain's photography makes unusually good use of black-and-white contrasts for capturing lush tropical landscapes, lagoons and beaches, nudes, and everyday scenes in Tahiti. His work benefits from the frequent use of his wife, Tehani, as a model. She is remarkably relaxed and happy in these images, and helps to set a mood of natural enjoyment of nature that will have the viewer yearning for Tahiti. Lest you think these scenes are very overposed, I saw scenes very much like these during a vacation in Tahiti in the mid-1980s.

Some of the images are ragged around the edges, which reflects the terrible loss of much of M. Sylvain's work during a fire in his studio. Some of these images were rescued from the debris that remained. As a result, these images almost all date from 1946-1957.

Ms. Sylvain will remind you of a sea otter in some of the images, as she glides effortlessly through the crystal lagoon water. Her connection with nature is direct and joyous. Her apparent pleasure in what she is doing is infectious.

The images themselves are well composed, technically very fine, and the reproduction quality is excellent.

Towards the end of the book, you will also see some photographs of famous visitors to the island like Brigitte Bardot and Charles de Gaulle.

My original interest in visiting Tahiti was tied to having watched a television series, called Adventures in Paradise. The stories related to a schooner captin operating out of Papeete. When I read the book, I was interested to see that M. Sylvain had been an adviser to that series as well as other major filming in Tahiti over the years.

Many people also know Paul Gauguin's paintings of Tahiti, which have also helped form expectations about the islands and their people. In particular, James Michener with his Tales of the South Pacific helped created an image of beautiful, winning Polynesian maidens that is echoed here. Ms. Sylvain observes that her husband played a key role in creating the myth of the vahini, as a result.

After you look at these dreamscapes of Tahiti, you should sit back and think about what your ideal image of life is. What would you be doing? Where would you be? Who would be with you? What does that picture tell you about yourself?

Dream boldly . . . and recognize the opportunity to life your dreams as Adolphe Sylvain did!

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Tahiti Beauty
A. Sylvain
Manufacturer: Luxor Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LH8JU0

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Tahiti Beauty
A Sylvain
Manufacturer: UNSPECIFIED VENDOR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UCWG78

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Tahiti Beauty 1ST Edition
A Sylvain
Manufacturer: LUXOR PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SO2QHI

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Guide Du Tour De Lile De Tahiti
D'Apres A. Sylvain
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History | Subjects | Books | Africa | Americas | Ancient | Arctic & Antarctica | Asia | Australia & Oceania | Books on CD | Books on Cassette | Europe | Gay & Lesbian | Historical Study | Large Print | Middle East | Military | Military Science | Russia | United States | World
ASIN: B000ML9NEQ

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Tahiti Beauty
A Sylvain
Manufacturer: UNSPECIFIED VENDOR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N63CXI

Amazon.com

Recycled Doonesbury, subtitled Second Thoughts on a Gilded Age chronicles the end of the '80s, and as the decade winds down, there's a feeling that times are a changing from Malibu to Walden. Reagan gives way to Bush (though he attempts a comeback as the utterly unhinged Ron Headrest), Duke goes to work on Donald Trump's yacht, and Mike and J.J.'s marriage hits a rough spot. The strip itself rings the changes for a while, in a survey-filled parody of USA Today. More than 69 percent of Americans enjoyed it!

This volume also captures the moment when Mr. Butts springs from the tortured mind of Mike Doonesbury. Surely one of the most inspired characters ever to appear in a comic strip, Mr. Butts is a perfect example of the satirical energy that drives Doonesbury. This wisecracking tube of tobacco has burned his way into the collective unconscious of readers as successfully as any advertising mascot. Eat your heart out, Joe Camel. All this, and the return of Elvis! --Simon Leake

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RECYCLED DOONESBURY-SECOND THOUGHTS ON A GUILDED AGE
G.B. Trudeau
Manufacturer: Andrews and Mcmeel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Doonesbury | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000IOANX2

Amazon.com

She had herself committed to an insane asylum, circled the globe in 72 days, and worked as an elephant trainer, all for a good story. Nellie Bly (1864-1922) was the most famous female reporter of her day, and a pioneering businesswoman (she started the first steel-barrel manufacturing plant in the U.S.). Journalist Kroeger's formidably well-researched book, based on legal and archival material as well as Bly's more than 600 newspaper and magazine articles, paints a compelling portrait of a woman who learned early not to rely on men, yet coupled her can-do spirit with a vivacious femininity that endeared her to readers during a 37-year career.

Book Description

Now in paperback--the acclaimed biography of Nellie Bly, the "thrilling account of a trailblazer" (Pat Morrison, Los Angeles Times Book Review). "Kroeger's biography of Nellie Bly moves at almost as fast a pace as did Bly's remarkable life."--Mindy Spatt, San Francisco Chronicle. Photos & illustrations.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

a biography for scholars.......2007-05-27

This is the only scholarly biography of Nellie Bly available. It is carefully researched and documented, and presents a nuanced and composite picture of Nellie Bly. It is not a splashy story, which is probably why the other reviewers found it dull and dry. For research purposes, however, that's a very good thing. An excellent bibliography points interested researchers to secondary and primary sources.

Bummer!.......2000-06-15

While Nellie Bly was certainly a compelling character, and the biography clearly well-researched, the author presents her subject in a dull, lifeless manner. After waiting for years to read a comprehensive work about someone I have always found so fascinating, I was terribly disappointed.

Fascinating Tale of a Remarkable Lady's Life.......1998-07-09

Nellie Bly (born Elizabeth Jane Cochran) was a very interesting lady. I chose her for my report, and this was the most helpful book. I didn't think I'd want to read the whole book through, but I did since Bly's life was so exciting!

Getting the Real Story: Nellie Bly and Ida B. Wells (Women Who Dared)

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Two Amazing Women that you will never forget

Getting the Real Story: Nellie Bly and Ida B. Wells (Women Who Dared)
Sue Davidson
Manufacturer: Seal Press (CA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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The Daring Nellie Bly: America's Star Reporter

ASIN: 1878067168

Customer Reviews:

Two Amazing Women that you will never forget.......1998-12-02

Ida B. Wells and Nellie Bly were amzing women. Nelie Bly never stopped by what people toldher and had a very strong attitude. Even if you are a boy and you think this book is only for girls, YOUR WRONG. It is for everybody to enjoy.

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A Hollywood legend under the spotlight

Marlon Brando: Larger Than Life
Nellie Bly
Manufacturer: Pinnacle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0786000864

Customer Reviews:

A Hollywood legend under the spotlight.......1999-12-23

Nellie Bly has done a superb job in documenting the incredible life of excess of one of the greatest actors ever. Brando is presented objectively throughout the book and the movie information, Dag Drollet murder case, sexual/marital escapades, battles with obesity, make for a hugely (pardon the pun) entertaining read. Alot of the content will shock the reader, but like most Hollywood icons, what we see on the screen is totally different than what they really are. 5 stars well deserved.

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Nellie Bly : A Name to Be Reckoned with
Stephen Krensky
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0689855737

Book Description

What are girls good for?

Nellie Bly wasn't always Nellie Bly. First she was Elizabeth Cochrane, a shy girl from Cochran's Mills, Pennsylvania. All her life Elizabeth had been told, "girls can't do this" and "girls can't do that." Even the newspaper the Pittsburgh Dispatch said that all girls were good for was getting married and taking care of their families.

Book Description

The true story of a courageous woman's famous journey in 1889 that took her all the way around the globe in record time NELLIE BLY WAS A NEWSPAPER REPORTER for the New York World in the late nineteenth century. But instead of writing about "ladylike" subjects like tea parties and charity balls, Nellie wrote about the social problems of her day: poor job conditions, dilapidated housing, and dishonest politicians. Many people objected to the things she wrote about. But Nellie Bly was unstoppable. If someone told her "It can't be done, Nellie Bly," she went right ahead and did it anyway. But when Nellie reads Jules Verne's novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, she is inspired to circle the globe even faster herself. Now everyone wonders if this time the plucky young reporter has gone too far. Young readers will cheer for Nellie as she embarks on her 22,000-mile trip equipped only with one sturdy travel dress and a small satchel, and a pet monkey she picks up in Singapore as her traveling companion. Traveling by ship, train, and foot, she has all kinds of incredible experiences-from surviving a monsoon at sea to visiting a leper colony in China. Here is the true story of a woman with an indomitable spirit and love of adventure whose amazing journey will inspire a new generation of young readers.

Customer Reviews:

Around the World in 78 Days -- a review by Maddy, age 9.......2003-11-08

"Most people would probably panic if they had only three days to get ready for a trip around the world. So much packing to do! So many details to arrange!" Nellie Bly, a female reporter from The World Magazine in New York, sets off to beat Phileas Fogg's record of going around the world in eighty days, and aims for 78. She boards the Augusta Victoria with her one little bag, promising The World she will send back cables of her trip. She glides gently on the Augusta Victoria to London, not knowing she has competition. Will she make it?

Book Description

From the award-winning picture book biographer of Woody Guthrie comes the inspirational story of Nellie Bly. Born in 1864, during a time in which options were extremely limited for women, Nellie defied all expectations and became a famous newspaper correspondent. Her daring exploits included committing herself to an infamous insane asylum in New York City to expose the terrible conditions there and becoming the first American war correspondent of either sex to report on the front lines of Austria during World War I. In 1889, Nellie completed her most publicized stunt, her world-famous trip around the world in just 72 days, beating the record of Jules Vernes’ fictional hero in Around the World in 80 Days.

With an informative text and pen-and-ink illustrations reminiscent of the graphic style of the late 1800s, The Daring Nellie Bly captures the independent spirit of America’s first star reporter, Nellie Bly.

Customer Reviews:

Christensen Strikes Again..........2004-08-16

Bonnie Christensen, who gave us Woodie Guthrie, Breaking into Print, and countless other wonderful books, has done it again. In taking on both famous and obscure characters, she demonstrates the range of her world view. And her ability to present different forms and genres of art is only another example of her versatility. From wood engravings, to acrylics, to watercolors, there doesn't seem to be anything she can't do. And Nelly Bly shines mightily in this easy to read, but historically important work. Bravo!

A Great Book About an Extraordinary Woman.......2004-07-28

I loved the story of this amazing and courageous woman, Nellie Bly. As the School Library Journal says, quote: this terrific biography reads like an adventure story. (endquote) And that's absolutely true. It's a great read aloud. The illustrations remind me of old newspaper illustrations and I especially like the little details, the monkey for example. Booklist calls the illustrations quote: powerful and rich in color. (endquote) Despite an incredibly difficult childhood Nellie Bly perservered. She was not only courageous, she was compassionate and she was smart! She successfully ran her husband's million dollar company until a bunch of men employees embezzled so much they ran her out of business. Then at the age of 50 she was off to report on WWI. An amazing woman, and a book that's a wonderful tribute.

Alas for lost potential.......2003-12-02

Reporter, millionaire, and advocate of the female worker, Nellie Bly was America's first female shock journalist. Christensen's biography examines Bly's life, climaxing with the worldwide trip that beat "Around the World In Eighty Days' " timeline. Readers of Christensen's "Woody Guthrie: Poet of the People", may find themselves disappointed by this newest biography. Lacking her customary woodcuts and inventive presentation, "Nellie Bly" is unappealingly static. The illustrations are either taken directly from photographs of Bly or present flat expressionless characters. Christensen sticks to the facts of Bly's life, but is not above softening them. Reporting that Bly, "successfully ran (her husband's) huge manufacturing company", Christensen fails to mention that Bly additionally drove the business to bankruptcy. Best used as a introductory source to Nellie's life, readers wishing to learn more about this fascinating person should consult the sources provided in the book's bibliography, notably Charles Fredeen's "Nellie Bly: Daredevil Reporter".

The Value of Fairness: The Story of Nellie Bly (A Valuetale)

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The Value of Fairness: The Story of Nellie Bly (A Valuetale)
Ann Donegan Johnson
Manufacturer: Value Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Careers | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0916392163

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Nellie Bly's Monkey
Joan W. Blos
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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jp-unknown1 | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0688126774
Release Date: 1996-03-15

Book Description

In 1889, daredevil reporter Nellie Bly announced her intention to circle the world in seventy-two days. Nobody thought a woman could do such a thing, but, accompanied by a monkey named McGinty she acquired in Singapore, she did just that. "Beautifully designed....Eye-catching, humorous period details abound....This volume will entice young children to learn more about this remarkable woman."--School Library Journal.

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Nellie Blys Book
Ira Peck
Manufacturer: 21st Century
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Travel | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Come bicycling with husband and wife/father and daughter on a tandem going across America plus from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico following the Mississippi River.

Customer Reviews:

No practical or entertainment value.......2004-08-08

This book is more of a very sparse travel log than a book. Very little in the way of useful information. No storyline, no experiences related in any kind of entertaining way, not much of anything.

Each day is briefly summarized with time they started, where they ate, how hot it was, if it rained, how far they went, when they called it a day. All presented in a very plain toast way - like a police report. It was actually painful to read this entire book.

To save you the trouble here is a summary of all of the useful information:
- don't use lightweight tires on a long tour
- bring spare tubes
- bring a tire pump capable of pumping up the tires
- know how to change a tire
- don't put new saddles on the tandem the first day of your tour
- know how to do basic maintenance on the bike

There is no information on the gear they brought, what worked well and what didn't, riding techniques, things they learned, how they felt about the ride. Just nothing.

I can't really describe how poor a book this is. If you are considering touring on a tandem don't even think about reading this book. It makes tandem touring sound excruciatingly boring and pointless.

At least it's short. Even though it's over 150 pages, the font is large as is the line spacing so there are probably about enough words for 75 pages in a normally formatted book.

One more thing - there are only a few pictures, they are small low quality black and white, and again, contain nothing of entertainment or other value.

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