This book contains the first set of Commonwealth Books' "Stories about the American Revolution." These illustrated narratives remember the people and events of America's war to win its political independence. Readers of all ages will see history unfold in the pictures of dozens of renowned illustrators and artists as author James Bayne recounts the failures and successes of General George Washington and his Continental Army. In this first edition, readers will follow the siege of Boston from the Battles of Lexington and Concord, through the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and the futile British victory at Bunker Hill. They will see the siege end after General Washington fortifies the Dorchester Heights with the guns Colonel Henry Knox brought from Fort Ticonderoga. Also remembered in this book is the American invasion of Canada. Readers will follow this misadventure from its beginning in the summer of 1775 to its end in the spring of 1776 when Colonel Benedict Arnold lifted his siege of Quebec and brought his ragged army home.

The Storm Breaks

History

James M. Bayne

Americas

Commonwealth Books, LLC

<p>The Recollections is a rare commodity - a personal chronicle of life in eighteenth century Virginia. Written to preserve memories of his parents for later generations of the family, the Recollections paints a vivid picture of events of John Mason's boyhood and his father's plantation. Gunston Hall, long considered an architectural gem, survives today as testimony to George Mason's intellect and taste. Along with John Mason's words, photographs in the volume provide glimpses of the mansion George Mason built between 1755 and 1759.</p>

The Reflections of John Mason

Biographies & Memoirs

John, Mason

Historical

In his foreword, John Schoonover, dean of Wilmington's storied art community, explains why Bayard Berndt was one of its leaders from 1950 until his death in 1987. In his introductory comments, Charles Allmond, Wilmington sculptor and friend of the artist, remembers Bayard's life-long interest in history and art and explains how Wilmington became a center for art. The artist's son, David Berndt, remembers his father in a charming narrative before discussing his art, which he presents in thirteen thematic collections. Bayard Berndt was taught to paint by Howard Pyle-trained illustrators: Thornton Oakley, Stanley Arthurs, N.C. Wyeth, and Frank Schoonover. His early works reflect his interaction with these illustrators while teaching at the Wilmington Academy of Art. Soon after marrying one of his students in 1935, Bayard and his wife Rita moved ten miles north of Wilmington to Fairville, Pennsylvania where they lived for the rest of their lives. David notices the transition that took place in his father's art after moving to the rolling hills of Chester County. Over the next 50 years, he painted hundreds of plein aire scenes along Brandywine Creek and in its surrounding countryside. After WWII Bayard became the proprietor of Wilmington's most popular art supply and framing shop. His freedom to paint was limited by his responsibilities as a businessman. During the following decade he developed two artistic styles fitting with his double career. He became colorist and brush virtuoso painting rapidly to capture fleeting outdoor light. His works in this genre are reminiscent of Charles Woodbury and George Bellows, and N.C. Wyeth. In his studio, he painted mural-like scenes of historic Wilmington. His works in this genre are reminiscent of Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood. The book contains many wonderful examples of both genres. David introduces each collection of paintings with maps that show where they were painted. Many paintings are accompanied by "asides" which highlight the forgotten past of a Brandywine Valley landmark. The book is thus an artistic travelogue through the Brandywine Valley. It is perfect for browsing and a delightful memorial to Bayard Berndt's love of art and history.

Bayard Taylor Berndt - Brandywine Valley Artist

Arts & Photography

John Schoonover Charles Allmond David Berndt

Painting

In George Washington s Indispensable Man Who was Billy Lee author James Thompson re weaves a fabric of events that began more than twenty five years before the Declaration of Independence was written and ended more than twenty five years after its ratification Most of these events are known only through passing comments many of them George Washington s Sketchy though the record is it confirms that Washington had a unique relationship with the mulatto boy he bought in 1767 for 61 15 What made this relationship special is not in the written record Mr Thompson unravels the mystery in his new book The tie that bound Washington to Billy Lee remained unbroken through the last three decades of Washington s life In his will Washington freed my mulatto man Billy and bestowed upon him a lifetime annuity What force forged this unique bond Mr Thompson discovered it he says by stepping beyond the boundaries that have limited previous deliberations on this curious matter George Washington and Billy Lee were more than master and slave The written record says nothing of Billy Lee s parents apart from his being a mulatto It shows however that George Washington knew Billy Lee s former owner In fact he knew all of Billy s former owners The author contends that the future President also knew the boy s parents and that therein lay the reason he sailed to Cabin Creek Westmoreland County and purchased the seventeen year old maroon and his brother from his distant kinswoman Mary Smith Ball Lee Mr Thompson completes his stunning commentary by unveiling a portrait of his subject The picture was painted from life by one of the four artists who knew Billy Lee Charles Willson Peale portrayed him where he always was at his celebrated master s shoulder Mr Thompson s ingenious detective work shows readers how conspicuous facts become invisible when viewed through the wrong lens His investigation confirms the qualities that made George Washington history s g

George Washington's Mulatto Man - Who Was Billy Lee?

Thompson, Dr James

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Commonwealth Books, LLC publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Commonwealth Books, LLC