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Why Do We Quote?
The Near and Far of Others' Words and Voices
Ruth Finnegan
2016 Honorable Mention
348 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Chris Fischer for Readers' Favorite
In a highly interesting and well done book in the category of cultural nonfiction, Why Do We Quote? The Near and Far of Others' Words and Voices by author Ruth Finnegan is a worthwhile read. Pulling from anthropology, cultural history, folklore, cultural studies, socio-linguistics, literary studies, and the ethnography of speaking, the book provides an absolutely fascinating look at why people in our society quote others and how we do it. The book also serves as an excellent study into ideas like imitation, allusion, authorship, originality and plagiarism, and will make readers think deeply into our framework for why we think the way we do about quoting and our use of quotations. This book is both entertaining and educational, and readers will enjoy it from start to finish.
I must admit, when I looked at Why Do We Quote? The Near and Far of Others' Words and Voices, my first thought was, "A whole book about quotations? How is that possible? And how could it be interesting?" But I was certainly surprised by author Ruth Finnegan's excellent work. Her work is amazing in that it presents form and usage of speech in a highly interesting fashion, and her style of historical inquiry into the topic almost makes one feel as if you are reading a whodunit mystery. I was drawn into this book from the very beginning, and enjoyed it so thoroughly that I read the whole thing in only a few sittings. I highly recommend Why Do We Quote? to any reader looking for a unique and interesting book with a wonderful historical perspective. I look forward to reading more from author Ruth Finnegan as soon as I can, and hope that she is hard at work on her next book!
In a highly interesting and well done book in the category of cultural nonfiction, Why Do We Quote? The Near and Far of Others' Words and Voices by author Ruth Finnegan is a worthwhile read. Pulling from anthropology, cultural history, folklore, cultural studies, socio-linguistics, literary studies, and the ethnography of speaking, the book provides an absolutely fascinating look at why people in our society quote others and how we do it. The book also serves as an excellent study into ideas like imitation, allusion, authorship, originality and plagiarism, and will make readers think deeply into our framework for why we think the way we do about quoting and our use of quotations. This book is both entertaining and educational, and readers will enjoy it from start to finish.
I must admit, when I looked at Why Do We Quote? The Near and Far of Others' Words and Voices, my first thought was, "A whole book about quotations? How is that possible? And how could it be interesting?" But I was certainly surprised by author Ruth Finnegan's excellent work. Her work is amazing in that it presents form and usage of speech in a highly interesting fashion, and her style of historical inquiry into the topic almost makes one feel as if you are reading a whodunit mystery. I was drawn into this book from the very beginning, and enjoyed it so thoroughly that I read the whole thing in only a few sittings. I highly recommend Why Do We Quote? to any reader looking for a unique and interesting book with a wonderful historical perspective. I look forward to reading more from author Ruth Finnegan as soon as I can, and hope that she is hard at work on her next book!
Recommend this book:
Where is Language?
An Anthropologist's Questions on Language, Literature and Performance
Ruth Finnegan
2016 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Where is Language?: An Anthropologist's Questions on Language, Literature and Performance by Ruth Finnegan is a book on language and how it is used in the common world. It may sound boring to you, but if you have read Why Do We Quote by Finnegan, you know that you are about to go on a cross-cultural adventure that will teach a lot more than just what the title says. I have come to respect and expect a lot from Ruth Finnegan; she is the type of a person who I wish had taught me when I was in college.
Her new book, Where is Language?, talks about how we use language and how we perceive it. There are so many fashions and types of language and, yes, they are beyond verbal, oral and written. Yet again, Finnegan takes us on a journey where you travel the world with her and see where language is spoken and used in many colorful ways. I am actually shocked by her determination because coming up with a book like this is not easy.
She had to do a lot of research and I am pretty sure that most of the time that research was not enjoyable. However, she made it possible for the reader to not only enjoy the book, but also gain a lot from it. I definitely learnt a lot from it. This is yet another Ruth Finnegan creation that will stay in my book collection for a long, long time.
Where is Language?: An Anthropologist's Questions on Language, Literature and Performance by Ruth Finnegan is a book on language and how it is used in the common world. It may sound boring to you, but if you have read Why Do We Quote by Finnegan, you know that you are about to go on a cross-cultural adventure that will teach a lot more than just what the title says. I have come to respect and expect a lot from Ruth Finnegan; she is the type of a person who I wish had taught me when I was in college.
Her new book, Where is Language?, talks about how we use language and how we perceive it. There are so many fashions and types of language and, yes, they are beyond verbal, oral and written. Yet again, Finnegan takes us on a journey where you travel the world with her and see where language is spoken and used in many colorful ways. I am actually shocked by her determination because coming up with a book like this is not easy.
She had to do a lot of research and I am pretty sure that most of the time that research was not enjoyable. However, she made it possible for the reader to not only enjoy the book, but also gain a lot from it. I definitely learnt a lot from it. This is yet another Ruth Finnegan creation that will stay in my book collection for a long, long time.
Recommend this book:
Better Dead Than Divorced
The Trials Of Panayota
Lukas Thanasis Konandreas M.D.
2016 Silver Medal
268 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
On September 6, 1953, Kupaki, a small Greek village is rattled by the unexpected, yet strangely anticipated, murder of young and beautiful Panayota. Married to the irresistibly wicked George Nitsos, Panayota refused to heed the advice of close friends and relatives when George proved time and time again guilty of his infidelities. Only intimate friends knew of George’s physical abuse but Panayota spent many hours championing her husband’s virtue. There was no reason to leave George. He was simply highly-strung and full of mischief. Everyone knew that about him. Besides, Panayota had no intention of sullying her reputation as the only divorced woman in Kupaki. Ignoring warnings from George’s own business partner and even close family members, Panayota refused to acknowledge the seriousness with which George Nitsos was committed to starting his life afresh without her. Years following the trial of Panayota’s murder, one attorney is quoted saying, “Nitsos broke more commandments than Moses wrote.”
Better Dead Than Divorced: The Trials of Panayota, A True Story by Lukas Thanasis Konandreas M.D. is a frightening representation of real life in a small town. Not only is Panayota the poster child of women standing firmly beside their values, she can also be described as the last remnant of pride. Konandreas has thoroughly researched a bitter story of misguided trust in the evolution of true crime. Written in an engaging format closely resembling high intensity crime fiction, Better Dead Than Divorced is a fascinating read worthy of a possible big screen adaptation. Because, yes, fact is often stranger than fiction. I really enjoyed reading this.
On September 6, 1953, Kupaki, a small Greek village is rattled by the unexpected, yet strangely anticipated, murder of young and beautiful Panayota. Married to the irresistibly wicked George Nitsos, Panayota refused to heed the advice of close friends and relatives when George proved time and time again guilty of his infidelities. Only intimate friends knew of George’s physical abuse but Panayota spent many hours championing her husband’s virtue. There was no reason to leave George. He was simply highly-strung and full of mischief. Everyone knew that about him. Besides, Panayota had no intention of sullying her reputation as the only divorced woman in Kupaki. Ignoring warnings from George’s own business partner and even close family members, Panayota refused to acknowledge the seriousness with which George Nitsos was committed to starting his life afresh without her. Years following the trial of Panayota’s murder, one attorney is quoted saying, “Nitsos broke more commandments than Moses wrote.”
Better Dead Than Divorced: The Trials of Panayota, A True Story by Lukas Thanasis Konandreas M.D. is a frightening representation of real life in a small town. Not only is Panayota the poster child of women standing firmly beside their values, she can also be described as the last remnant of pride. Konandreas has thoroughly researched a bitter story of misguided trust in the evolution of true crime. Written in an engaging format closely resembling high intensity crime fiction, Better Dead Than Divorced is a fascinating read worthy of a possible big screen adaptation. Because, yes, fact is often stranger than fiction. I really enjoyed reading this.
Recommend this book:
Motions and Moments
More Essays on Tokyo
Michael Pronko
2016 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Ryan Jordan for Readers' Favorite
Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo by Michael Pronko is a collection of essays about life in Tokyo, and particularly how it deviates from the life Western people might be used to in engaging with Eastern culture. Each essay is like a self-contained explanation of one facet of life in the context of a grander conversation, and each one is a complete work in its own right. They all flow very well together and contribute to the whole, some discussing behavior in Tokyo, or demeanor, or social norms, and how to interact effectively. All are told through the lens of one man and his interactions which gives it a narrative flow. This makes it almost feel like a fictional novel of short stories and vignettes rather than a collection of essays.
Each of the essays has an interesting tidbit to share and the quality of them is quite impressive. A lot of similar works don't have the same conversational quality of this work where the author says a lot of interesting things and also sounds like he knows what he's talking about. It was easy to read and contained powerful messages that don't necessarily apply only to life in Tokyo, but pertain to life in general, and this elevates the work to new heights. Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo by Michael Pronko is a real winner and worth reading by anyone who is interested in conversational essays by a talented and experienced author.
Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo by Michael Pronko is a collection of essays about life in Tokyo, and particularly how it deviates from the life Western people might be used to in engaging with Eastern culture. Each essay is like a self-contained explanation of one facet of life in the context of a grander conversation, and each one is a complete work in its own right. They all flow very well together and contribute to the whole, some discussing behavior in Tokyo, or demeanor, or social norms, and how to interact effectively. All are told through the lens of one man and his interactions which gives it a narrative flow. This makes it almost feel like a fictional novel of short stories and vignettes rather than a collection of essays.
Each of the essays has an interesting tidbit to share and the quality of them is quite impressive. A lot of similar works don't have the same conversational quality of this work where the author says a lot of interesting things and also sounds like he knows what he's talking about. It was easy to read and contained powerful messages that don't necessarily apply only to life in Tokyo, but pertain to life in general, and this elevates the work to new heights. Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo by Michael Pronko is a real winner and worth reading by anyone who is interested in conversational essays by a talented and experienced author.
Recommend this book:
Rhythm for Sale
Dr. Grant Harper Reid
2015 Finalist
300 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
The main protagonist of Rhythm for Sale, Leonard Harper, is a talented African-American born in an era of discrimination and of a blossoming entertainment industry to which he was drawn. He was the son of a poor singer from Birmingham, Alabama. He learned the art of soft shoe dancing, a type of tap dancing popular during those years. In almost no time, he had become a master of his craft, going on his own at the age of 16 in New York, even working with greats such as Louis Armstrong. Despite white people ripping him and other African-American counterparts of their work and earnings, he was able to do many performances and shows and, through his hard work, was also able to stage the much-lauded African-American Broadway show Hot Chocolates in 1929. Rhythm For Sale, written by his grandson, Grant Harper Reid is his story.
Grant Harper Reid’s debut book is a fascinating look at the dazzling Harlem Renaissance that was the backdrop to the life of his grandfather, Leonard Harper, a known figure among history buffs and dance and theater enthusiasts. Leonard Harper was not only a gifted performer, he also contributed much to the Harlem Renaissance as a choreographer and stage director so that even to this day others look up to him and his works. Those wanting to learn more of this wonderful era of dance and theater history will realize they have a marvelous find in Rhythm for Sale. The author's writing style is highly descriptive and entertaining and his book not only tells of his grandfather's exploits as a performer – we also get to see his personal life, rife with affairs as well as exciting characters from gangsters to burlesque dancers in the nightclubs. This is a book every performer should read.
The main protagonist of Rhythm for Sale, Leonard Harper, is a talented African-American born in an era of discrimination and of a blossoming entertainment industry to which he was drawn. He was the son of a poor singer from Birmingham, Alabama. He learned the art of soft shoe dancing, a type of tap dancing popular during those years. In almost no time, he had become a master of his craft, going on his own at the age of 16 in New York, even working with greats such as Louis Armstrong. Despite white people ripping him and other African-American counterparts of their work and earnings, he was able to do many performances and shows and, through his hard work, was also able to stage the much-lauded African-American Broadway show Hot Chocolates in 1929. Rhythm For Sale, written by his grandson, Grant Harper Reid is his story.
Grant Harper Reid’s debut book is a fascinating look at the dazzling Harlem Renaissance that was the backdrop to the life of his grandfather, Leonard Harper, a known figure among history buffs and dance and theater enthusiasts. Leonard Harper was not only a gifted performer, he also contributed much to the Harlem Renaissance as a choreographer and stage director so that even to this day others look up to him and his works. Those wanting to learn more of this wonderful era of dance and theater history will realize they have a marvelous find in Rhythm for Sale. The author's writing style is highly descriptive and entertaining and his book not only tells of his grandfather's exploits as a performer – we also get to see his personal life, rife with affairs as well as exciting characters from gangsters to burlesque dancers in the nightclubs. This is a book every performer should read.
Recommend this book:
Brookwood Road
Memories of a Home
Scott Douglas Vaughan
2015 Honorable Mention
322 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Sandy Appleyard for Readers' Favorite
Brookwood Road: Memories of a Home by Scott Douglas Vaughan is a wonderful story about three brothers growing up on a farm in a small town just outside of Atlanta in the early nineteen twenties. Scott Douglas Vaughan does an incredible job telling his anecdotal tale, sharing each moment as if taken from a snapshot. The reader feels like they are there, watching the boys get into trouble, suffer pain, triumph in wins, think through life’s challenges, and revel in the love and caring that surrounds them daily.
The book has a lot of heart, and is told very innocently and delicately, and from the perspective of the boys. Each experience is shared in its own small snippet, so the reader is not overwhelmed and can choose to keep reading or take a break. For the most part, the reader will not be able to put the book down. Brookwood Road opens up to its audience about many coming-of-age troubles, such as losing a pet, the wonder of how life is created, the loss of a grandparent, the birth of a sibling, family events like Christmas, religion, social isolation, and fun things like building a tree house, riding a bike with a box on your head; the list goes on and on.
This is a fun and heart warming story that can be enjoyed by both young and old. It takes the reader back to a time when things were much simpler, when people enjoyed people for who they were and respected one another, respected the Lord, feared their parents, and ultimately cared about the human race and the planet. Many would consider this type of lifestyle lost, but Brookwood Road reminds us that all we need is each other, love, and God to get through life. This is a priceless, classic story that will touch readers in a way that many stories cannot.
Brookwood Road: Memories of a Home by Scott Douglas Vaughan is a wonderful story about three brothers growing up on a farm in a small town just outside of Atlanta in the early nineteen twenties. Scott Douglas Vaughan does an incredible job telling his anecdotal tale, sharing each moment as if taken from a snapshot. The reader feels like they are there, watching the boys get into trouble, suffer pain, triumph in wins, think through life’s challenges, and revel in the love and caring that surrounds them daily.
The book has a lot of heart, and is told very innocently and delicately, and from the perspective of the boys. Each experience is shared in its own small snippet, so the reader is not overwhelmed and can choose to keep reading or take a break. For the most part, the reader will not be able to put the book down. Brookwood Road opens up to its audience about many coming-of-age troubles, such as losing a pet, the wonder of how life is created, the loss of a grandparent, the birth of a sibling, family events like Christmas, religion, social isolation, and fun things like building a tree house, riding a bike with a box on your head; the list goes on and on.
This is a fun and heart warming story that can be enjoyed by both young and old. It takes the reader back to a time when things were much simpler, when people enjoyed people for who they were and respected one another, respected the Lord, feared their parents, and ultimately cared about the human race and the planet. Many would consider this type of lifestyle lost, but Brookwood Road reminds us that all we need is each other, love, and God to get through life. This is a priceless, classic story that will touch readers in a way that many stories cannot.
Recommend this book:
Mataluna
151 Afghan Pashto Proverbs
Edward Zellem
2015 Bronze Medal
192 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Rosanne Franchini for Readers' Favorite
In Mataluna: 151 Afghan Pashto Proverbs, Captain Edward Zellem introduces us to the culture of the Pashto language, spoken by people of Afghanistan through their proverbs. The preface is lengthy with explanations of how the book was formed through social media outlets; the sketches in the book are all done by Afghanistan high school students and extensive work with others in the Paremiology field. The Pashto language facts were informative and helpful. I doubt I would ever learn the language or writing, but found it useful in helping to understand the culture and its people.
The proverbs within the book help to bridge cultures worldwide, showing that all is derived from virtuous living and teachings. The correlation between Pashto proverbs and Western cultural proverbs and their similarities demonstrate how close we all really are in the world. As you turn the pages to the next proverb, you look forward to seeing how the school children interpreted their cultural proverbs in art, being able to show their talents in expressive artwork. Captain Zellem does a wonderful job of demonstrating cultural similarities with his unique presentation of Afghan proverbs. He has brought to light what little is known of Afghanistan and has spread the knowledge throughout the world for others to learn, enjoy and share. Praise goes to Captain Zellem in bridging cultures, enabling all to learn from and enjoy this book.
In Mataluna: 151 Afghan Pashto Proverbs, Captain Edward Zellem introduces us to the culture of the Pashto language, spoken by people of Afghanistan through their proverbs. The preface is lengthy with explanations of how the book was formed through social media outlets; the sketches in the book are all done by Afghanistan high school students and extensive work with others in the Paremiology field. The Pashto language facts were informative and helpful. I doubt I would ever learn the language or writing, but found it useful in helping to understand the culture and its people.
The proverbs within the book help to bridge cultures worldwide, showing that all is derived from virtuous living and teachings. The correlation between Pashto proverbs and Western cultural proverbs and their similarities demonstrate how close we all really are in the world. As you turn the pages to the next proverb, you look forward to seeing how the school children interpreted their cultural proverbs in art, being able to show their talents in expressive artwork. Captain Zellem does a wonderful job of demonstrating cultural similarities with his unique presentation of Afghan proverbs. He has brought to light what little is known of Afghanistan and has spread the knowledge throughout the world for others to learn, enjoy and share. Praise goes to Captain Zellem in bridging cultures, enabling all to learn from and enjoy this book.
Recommend this book:
Beauty and Chaos
Slices and Morsels of Tokyo LIfe
Michael Pronko
2015 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Beauty and Chaos - Essays on Tokyo Life: Slices and Morsels of Tokyo Life by Michael Pronko is an exciting book that sheds light on Tokyo. The book takes readers on a trip into the heart of the city, exploring areas in and around Tokyo that add to its exotic charm. The author has captured the beauty of the city, sharing all the nuances and minute details with readers. The book makes readers familiar with everything about Tokyo and the description of the place is so evocative and visual that it is like being on a sightseeing trip there. The book also reveals the author's love and passion for Tokyo.
I enjoyed the book thoroughly because it not only captures the beauty of the place, but also the culture and essence of the society. Every small thing that makes Tokyo what it is gives the book a unique and special tone. Whether it is the cherry blossoms, the bars and restaurants, the standing libraries or clothing, the author has researched the place well and revealed to readers a Tokyo not captured so intensely by travelers. The author's love for the city is evident in the manner in which he has explored the place and soaked up every small detail that covers everything about life in Tokyo. It's a good book to read before traveling to the city. An exciting book that takes readers on a sightseeing trip of Tokyo, the place, its culture and essence.
Beauty and Chaos - Essays on Tokyo Life: Slices and Morsels of Tokyo Life by Michael Pronko is an exciting book that sheds light on Tokyo. The book takes readers on a trip into the heart of the city, exploring areas in and around Tokyo that add to its exotic charm. The author has captured the beauty of the city, sharing all the nuances and minute details with readers. The book makes readers familiar with everything about Tokyo and the description of the place is so evocative and visual that it is like being on a sightseeing trip there. The book also reveals the author's love and passion for Tokyo.
I enjoyed the book thoroughly because it not only captures the beauty of the place, but also the culture and essence of the society. Every small thing that makes Tokyo what it is gives the book a unique and special tone. Whether it is the cherry blossoms, the bars and restaurants, the standing libraries or clothing, the author has researched the place well and revealed to readers a Tokyo not captured so intensely by travelers. The author's love for the city is evident in the manner in which he has explored the place and soaked up every small detail that covers everything about life in Tokyo. It's a good book to read before traveling to the city. An exciting book that takes readers on a sightseeing trip of Tokyo, the place, its culture and essence.
Recommend this book:
 Unlike the typical news story portrayals of Muslim culture, Zarbul Masalha: ...){kind=link}
Zarbul Masalha: 151 Afghan Dari Proverbs
Edward Zellem
2014 Honorable Mention
178 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Bruce Cook for Readers' Favorite
A delightful book of proverbs, Zarbul Masalha: 151 Afghan Dari Proverbs by Captain Edward Zellem is written in a language and culture little known to English language readers outside of Afghanistan. (It also includes helpful comments on pronunciation and the Dari language) Unlike the typical news story portrayals of Muslim culture, Zarbul Masalha: 151 Afghan Dari Proverbs honors Islam with the utmost respect. The author has selected 151 proverbs that are in common daily use in all aspects of Afghan society. Thus, while the beauty of these expressions seems rare, they are well known and loved in their country of origin.
The book was written and translated by a US Navy Captain, Edward Zellem, with the full cooperation of students from Marefat High School in Kabul. This is a remarkable achievement in US recognition of the importance of culture in an area where fighting goes on. Here, instead of “conquering” a village, the object is to understand the village’s people and culture. The result is extraordinary, for it answers the comment so often voiced in a place of combat – “If the army had just understood!”
I commend Captain Zellem for honoring and selecting these glorious proverbs.
As an example – just one of the 151 – consider this one from Page 9.
The literal translation: Mother shakes the cradle with one hand, and shakes the world with the other hand.
The meaning (quoted separately for each literal translation): Mothers play a very important role in the world, and how they raise their children affects everything.
This book represents a deliberate attempt to document the gracefulness of Islamic culture for the benefit of Western readers. I heartily recommend this book.
A delightful book of proverbs, Zarbul Masalha: 151 Afghan Dari Proverbs by Captain Edward Zellem is written in a language and culture little known to English language readers outside of Afghanistan. (It also includes helpful comments on pronunciation and the Dari language) Unlike the typical news story portrayals of Muslim culture, Zarbul Masalha: 151 Afghan Dari Proverbs honors Islam with the utmost respect. The author has selected 151 proverbs that are in common daily use in all aspects of Afghan society. Thus, while the beauty of these expressions seems rare, they are well known and loved in their country of origin.
The book was written and translated by a US Navy Captain, Edward Zellem, with the full cooperation of students from Marefat High School in Kabul. This is a remarkable achievement in US recognition of the importance of culture in an area where fighting goes on. Here, instead of “conquering” a village, the object is to understand the village’s people and culture. The result is extraordinary, for it answers the comment so often voiced in a place of combat – “If the army had just understood!”
I commend Captain Zellem for honoring and selecting these glorious proverbs.
As an example – just one of the 151 – consider this one from Page 9.
The literal translation: Mother shakes the cradle with one hand, and shakes the world with the other hand.
The meaning (quoted separately for each literal translation): Mothers play a very important role in the world, and how they raise their children affects everything.
This book represents a deliberate attempt to document the gracefulness of Islamic culture for the benefit of Western readers. I heartily recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Hidden in Plain Sight
The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America
Jane Allen Petrick
2014 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
In Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America, author Jane Allen Petrick tells the story of the Rockwell models who were people of color. She also brings to life a Norman Rockwell that the vast majority of people never knew -- a man who saw the world as multi-cultural and was thwarted in every instance of his attempts to portray that world in his art. Petrick interviewed child models, now middle-aged, to get a first-hand account of what it was like to be a Rockwell model and how he affected their lives. This book is, in many respects, an artistic biography of Rockwell, and it chronicles his struggles with and despair at the magazine The Saturday Evening Post, whose conservative editor only allowed blacks in the publication if they were in subservient positions. Rockwell's own ideology was quite progressive, and he came to hate the magazine that created a Rockwell persona so far from the reality of who he was. Petrick concludes her work by citing African-American artists who were greatly influenced by Rockwell's work, who saw those hidden in plain sight.
Jane Allen Petrick's book should be required reading in art history classes. It's that good. It should also be required reading for anyone interested in United States history and the fight for civil rights and progress in our nation. I had no idea who Rockwell was before I read this book and harbored a vague contempt for the man whenever he was mentioned as an American artist. The great cover-up and whitewash Petrick exposes is much too effective. What an inspiring man Rockwell was, and how much I would have liked to have known him. Petrick's work shows him finally in a light Rockwell would have felt at ease with and even delighted in. Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America is an amazing piece of scholarship and very highly recommended.
In Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America, author Jane Allen Petrick tells the story of the Rockwell models who were people of color. She also brings to life a Norman Rockwell that the vast majority of people never knew -- a man who saw the world as multi-cultural and was thwarted in every instance of his attempts to portray that world in his art. Petrick interviewed child models, now middle-aged, to get a first-hand account of what it was like to be a Rockwell model and how he affected their lives. This book is, in many respects, an artistic biography of Rockwell, and it chronicles his struggles with and despair at the magazine The Saturday Evening Post, whose conservative editor only allowed blacks in the publication if they were in subservient positions. Rockwell's own ideology was quite progressive, and he came to hate the magazine that created a Rockwell persona so far from the reality of who he was. Petrick concludes her work by citing African-American artists who were greatly influenced by Rockwell's work, who saw those hidden in plain sight.
Jane Allen Petrick's book should be required reading in art history classes. It's that good. It should also be required reading for anyone interested in United States history and the fight for civil rights and progress in our nation. I had no idea who Rockwell was before I read this book and harbored a vague contempt for the man whenever he was mentioned as an American artist. The great cover-up and whitewash Petrick exposes is much too effective. What an inspiring man Rockwell was, and how much I would have liked to have known him. Petrick's work shows him finally in a light Rockwell would have felt at ease with and even delighted in. Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America is an amazing piece of scholarship and very highly recommended.
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