Carl David is the third generation of a four-generation family art business in Philadelphia. He is the author of Collecting & Care of Fine Art published by Crown in 1981. His article about Martha Walter, an American Impressionist painter (1875-1976), was published in the American Art Review in May 1978 Mr. David's new book, Bader Field, embodies the emotional story of a son's loving relationship with his father—a legendary art dealer whose life is suddenly taken by a massive coronary at the young age of fifty-eight years. His death plunges the twenty-four-year-old man onto the front lines of the family art business, which he had entered a mere three years prior. Battling with his own grief while trying to help his adoring but fragile mother survive, David forges forward with all of the elemental tools his father imparted to him. His journey proves a difficult one, not having yet recovered from the horrific loss of his brother to suicide just eight years earlier when he was found dead on the fourth floor of the Rittenhouse Square townhouse, which was home to the prestigious David David Gallery. His self-imposed obligation is to successfully take the family art business to the next generation and to give his own children every bit of love, kindness, and wisdom bestowed upon him by the unique man whom they will never know other than the mark he left on everyone who knew him. Bader Field adds significant insight into the mysterious workings and dealings of the art world. David speaks from experience of having been immersed in it all of his life and having lived it from the inside out. There will be a tremendous crossover interest in this book as it combines the elements of an American family, its goodness and its tragedy interfaced with the multifaceted aspects of the art business and flying small airplanes. Bader Field in Atlantic City was the oldest airfield in the country. With little sophistication, its two asphalt runways juggled single and twin engine aircraft exuded a character and charm that created memories to last a lifetime. That is where this saga begins and where it ends as life comes full circle.
Bader Field: How My Family Survived Suicide
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More About the Author
Carl David
_____________________
Art Dealer, Writer, Musician, Photographer,
Sim Pilot, Auto Enthusiast, Healer, Animal Lover
"My first foray into writing was in college in the school newspaper when I had a grudge about the disgusting food quality. The article was pretty funny but scathing so they wouldn't let me sign it.
My next work was an article in the American Art Review in May 1978, about Martha Walter, an American impressionist artist, whose estate we represented.
In 1981 I authored, "Collecting & Care of Fine Art" published by Crown in New York. It revealed the truths about the art market and separated them from the hype which was so widespread. It was a factual expose for which I received significant flack from many colleagues, but someone had to tell the truth and protect the collectors.
My latest book, "Bader Field" has just been released by Nightengale Press. It is a heart tugging memoir about my father, Samuel David, the legendary art dealer whose life was taken way too early, and how my brother and I had to step into the front lines of the third generation family business to live out his dream, all the while trying to survive emotionally after the devastating loss of our brother only eight years earlier. The book is a journey of love, forgiveness and acceptance which begins at Bader Field (in Atlantic City), the oldest airfield in the country, the last place I saw my father.
It is my hope that "Bader Field" will help those who have had less than ideal fathers growing up to break the chain of negative influence and become much better fathers themselves when it is their turn to assume the role.
An even greater aspiration for me is that this book reach deep into the mind of anyone who is contemplating taking their life and show them that they are not alone, that there is always another answer, another way, no matter what. Those so desperate need to know that they don't just destroy themselves, but everyone around them as well; their family, friends and acquaintances. I pray that my perilous journey through those darkest days will bring light and hope to anyone on that final path, and draw them back.
Birth Place: Philadelphia, PA USA
Accomplishments: Reader Views Award 2008/2009 for 'Bader Field'"
*************************
The Larger Reason For Writing "Bader Field":
"Bader Field" my latest book was a seedling back in the middle 1960's, although I had no idea of its inception yet. Life in our family had been idyllic until we suffered an unspeakable family tragedy which changed all of our lives forever in one vile gesture.
It was only decades later that I was focused enough to put "Bader Field" together, although randomly at first as it started mainly as homage to my father so my children would know the greatness of the man who had passed away far too soon.
As the story unfolded, it expanded dramatically and encompassed a far broader perspective to include the horrific loss of my brother. The darkest days of my life needed to be revealed and relived in order to accurately show our family dynamic and how we survived.
It became my hope that the story would give hope, light and love to anyone at that edge of desperation and bring them back from the brink of extinction to the many avenues of help that are available and to show those pained souls that such a final act doesn't just take their life, but in large measure, those of their loved ones, friends and acquaintances as well.
So my dream was to turn an era of horror into a positive by paying it forward with the aim of saving lives, as many as possible. And for that reason alone, this is a book that must be read and read widely for it crosses all borders and is blind to indifference and bias.
*************************
The Far Reaching Effects Of This Book:
"Bader Field" my latest book has been causing an emotional reaction across all lines. Those who have read it all have the same "Wow" response. Stunned, brought to tears and given a glimpse into a whole new realm to which they are drawn inexplicably as the pages turn.
Episodes of art dealing, flying twin engined airplanes and a family's survival are a consistent theme throughout the story. The David family comes to life from the first page and grows more familiar as their depiction is vividly animated. You will know them quite well, as if in life you had and they will tug at your heart with compassion, love and warmth with a sense of realism you will actually feel.
Family members, friend and strangers alike have been riveted to "Bader Field". Once started they cannot put it down, except to clear their heads and take a break from it's overwhelming strength and hypnotic pull. "I can see the movie" the refrains echo. "I feel like I knew your family," they acknowledge. "How did you do it?" they puzzle and shake their heads.
Yes, a dream has been born with the release of this book and its path will soar. "Bader Field" is one of those phenomena that will take on a life of its own like the kite caught in an updraft pulling skyward with no visible limitation. Once launched, there was no turning back and I am so proud that the world is now able to read it and covet the story within its embrace.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Yvonne Perry
Format:Paperback
I had the privilege of serving as the developmental and copy editor for this book. The author, Carl David, is a skilled writer with a superb story.
Bader Field has the drama of human emotion stirred by true events that bring lovable characters to life. Plus, there are interesting historical facts intertwined throughout the telling.
I was not familiar with the art world that is common and everyday life for the David family, but I learned things in this book that caused me to better appreciate all art forms around me--even the art of life itself. I also learned quite a bit about flying twin-engine airplanes, which is a huge love the author shared with his dad. The book is named after the airfield that launched Carl and his dad to the skies where they enjoyed hundreds of flight hours reveling in their distinctive father-son bond.
Even though the book follows a chronological time line, each chapter has an embedded memory or flashback that lands us in the middle of an exciting, tragic, or educational event. Whether a childhood winter moment as the David boys take their dad for the sled ride of his life; or the account of how a famous piece of art was acquired; or the bygone days of the Depression Era when Sam and Flora first met--this book details a heartfelt journey that demonstrates the healing that comes from letting go of the past and living only for what is before us in this moment.
Bader Field allows a reader to see the inside impact that the self-inflicted death of a loved one has on an entire family and how much spiritual strength it takes to move past such devastation.
After reading Bader Field, you will feel as if you have known the David family all your life. You may even feel like part of the family and be tempted to refer to Sam David as "Pop." He might even visit you in spirit!
Bader Field has the drama of human emotion stirred by true events that bring lovable characters to life. Plus, there are interesting historical facts intertwined throughout the telling.
I was not familiar with the art world that is common and everyday life for the David family, but I learned things in this book that caused me to better appreciate all art forms around me--even the art of life itself. I also learned quite a bit about flying twin-engine airplanes, which is a huge love the author shared with his dad. The book is named after the airfield that launched Carl and his dad to the skies where they enjoyed hundreds of flight hours reveling in their distinctive father-son bond.
Even though the book follows a chronological time line, each chapter has an embedded memory or flashback that lands us in the middle of an exciting, tragic, or educational event. Whether a childhood winter moment as the David boys take their dad for the sled ride of his life; or the account of how a famous piece of art was acquired; or the bygone days of the Depression Era when Sam and Flora first met--this book details a heartfelt journey that demonstrates the healing that comes from letting go of the past and living only for what is before us in this moment.
Bader Field allows a reader to see the inside impact that the self-inflicted death of a loved one has on an entire family and how much spiritual strength it takes to move past such devastation.
After reading Bader Field, you will feel as if you have known the David family all your life. You may even feel like part of the family and be tempted to refer to Sam David as "Pop." He might even visit you in spirit!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Betty Gelean
Format:Paperback
This book is biographical although that is not its main purpose. First and foremost, it is a plea to young people primarily, but to anyone, that suicide is not an answer to anyone. With the premature death of his older brother, with whom the author has had an exceptionally close relationship, much of the early part of the book gives an insider look at how this death touches and affects everyone who ever knew him. Bruce had everything to live for to the eye of all beholders, but he failed to let anyone into his inner struggles, whatever they may have been.
Too many who are on the edge of this precipice feel that they cannot burden their families and friends with their existence rather than talking to someone, anyone, no matter how large or small the perceived straw that would break them. They must learn to realize that there will be far more of a burden, and blaming of selves, than could ever crush those same people by sharing their feelings, deeds, or whatever overwhelms them.
The book actually begins with the death of Sam David, Carl's father, which takes us on the journey of memories and hence to the suicide of Bruce as an integral part of the memories. Carl David, through his memories, wounds, and lifelong struggle with "why" and "is it my fault?" demonstrates how much of a burden is placed on those who knew and loved Bruce. Though few families seem to share the closeness and love of the David family, the suicide did happen. But this is not a sad book, it is meaningful, historical, and brings to mind an age gone by as Carl takes the reader through his memories from the 1950s on. Great memories of days gone by he shared with Bruce, memories of growing up with an amazing bond with his father, a lifetime of good memories.
The sudden death of his father at the age of 58, while on a buying trip in England, once again throws the family in turmoil. This event, as fraught with sorrow and blame as the death of Bruce, almost puts his mother over the edge, adding to the anxiety. But this also brings a wealth of memories, although always with that sadness that clings. By this time, Carl has been married less than a year. Some people would call it paranormal, others would call it echoes, or a passing thought, but a feeling of the presence of the two departed makes itself known many times, a feeling of connection, and sometimes a warning.
Aside from the fears of mortality and loss, the book is full of the love, and the closeness this family has. There is a bit of history of how the David David Gallery, and the gallery is another theme throughout the book. This is where Carl learned the art business, along with his older brother Alan. When their father died so suddenly of a heart attack, the two brothers took over the Gallery. When Carl's boys were old enough to show interest in the workings of the business, they, too, were eventually running the family business.
Another theme throughout the book is flying. Sam David was an excellent pilot and had his own Aztec plane, teaching the teen-aged Carl how to fly. Carl's memories flow on the hours spent with his Pop in the air. Carl lost his interest in flying when his father died, but after many years of not realizing how much time he spent trying to be like his father to keep his memory alive, he and his wife instead took to boating. This was probably the most major event to change the direction of his dwelling on the past. No longer did he dwell, but enjoyed the memories for what they were.
This book is a testament to handling whatever is thrown at you; not only that, but how to sort out the good from the tragic, incorporate those memories and go on. Carl chose to write the memories as a way for his sons to know their grandfather, who and what he was and the gentle, all-encompassing love and compassion he represented. This is perhaps his greatest gift.
Note: The David David Gallery is still in existence, and some of the works of art that Carl speaks of in his book can be seen on their website.
Too many who are on the edge of this precipice feel that they cannot burden their families and friends with their existence rather than talking to someone, anyone, no matter how large or small the perceived straw that would break them. They must learn to realize that there will be far more of a burden, and blaming of selves, than could ever crush those same people by sharing their feelings, deeds, or whatever overwhelms them.
The book actually begins with the death of Sam David, Carl's father, which takes us on the journey of memories and hence to the suicide of Bruce as an integral part of the memories. Carl David, through his memories, wounds, and lifelong struggle with "why" and "is it my fault?" demonstrates how much of a burden is placed on those who knew and loved Bruce. Though few families seem to share the closeness and love of the David family, the suicide did happen. But this is not a sad book, it is meaningful, historical, and brings to mind an age gone by as Carl takes the reader through his memories from the 1950s on. Great memories of days gone by he shared with Bruce, memories of growing up with an amazing bond with his father, a lifetime of good memories.
The sudden death of his father at the age of 58, while on a buying trip in England, once again throws the family in turmoil. This event, as fraught with sorrow and blame as the death of Bruce, almost puts his mother over the edge, adding to the anxiety. But this also brings a wealth of memories, although always with that sadness that clings. By this time, Carl has been married less than a year. Some people would call it paranormal, others would call it echoes, or a passing thought, but a feeling of the presence of the two departed makes itself known many times, a feeling of connection, and sometimes a warning.
Aside from the fears of mortality and loss, the book is full of the love, and the closeness this family has. There is a bit of history of how the David David Gallery, and the gallery is another theme throughout the book. This is where Carl learned the art business, along with his older brother Alan. When their father died so suddenly of a heart attack, the two brothers took over the Gallery. When Carl's boys were old enough to show interest in the workings of the business, they, too, were eventually running the family business.
Another theme throughout the book is flying. Sam David was an excellent pilot and had his own Aztec plane, teaching the teen-aged Carl how to fly. Carl's memories flow on the hours spent with his Pop in the air. Carl lost his interest in flying when his father died, but after many years of not realizing how much time he spent trying to be like his father to keep his memory alive, he and his wife instead took to boating. This was probably the most major event to change the direction of his dwelling on the past. No longer did he dwell, but enjoyed the memories for what they were.
This book is a testament to handling whatever is thrown at you; not only that, but how to sort out the good from the tragic, incorporate those memories and go on. Carl chose to write the memories as a way for his sons to know their grandfather, who and what he was and the gentle, all-encompassing love and compassion he represented. This is perhaps his greatest gift.
Note: The David David Gallery is still in existence, and some of the works of art that Carl speaks of in his book can be seen on their website.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
BOOK: Bader Field
AUTHOR: Carl David
PUBLISHER: Nightengale Press
ISBN-13: 978-1933449661
RATING: 4 stars
BOOK REVIEW by Leigh-Ann Lemire
In Bader Field, Carl David portrays a beautiful story speaking about the love and inspiration he received from his father who passed on when Carl was only 24 years old. It is an emotional story of the trials and difficulties to continue even when the going is rough and one thinks he cannot go forward.
Sam David, Carl's father was an extraordinary individual who was not only an inspiration to his family and children but also in the art world. It was an honor to meet Sam David in this memoir.
Sam David guided Carl in his young life and gave him elemental tools to use. The tools and the guidance are what have helped Carl to get through the loss of his father, to hold the family together, bring up his children and continue to make the family art business thrive.
With Bader Field, Carl David has given the readers lessons, wisdom and the elemental tools for life survival and shared them with his readers. It's a good book to read.
AUTHOR: Carl David
PUBLISHER: Nightengale Press
ISBN-13: 978-1933449661
RATING: 4 stars
BOOK REVIEW by Leigh-Ann Lemire
In Bader Field, Carl David portrays a beautiful story speaking about the love and inspiration he received from his father who passed on when Carl was only 24 years old. It is an emotional story of the trials and difficulties to continue even when the going is rough and one thinks he cannot go forward.
Sam David, Carl's father was an extraordinary individual who was not only an inspiration to his family and children but also in the art world. It was an honor to meet Sam David in this memoir.
Sam David guided Carl in his young life and gave him elemental tools to use. The tools and the guidance are what have helped Carl to get through the loss of his father, to hold the family together, bring up his children and continue to make the family art business thrive.
With Bader Field, Carl David has given the readers lessons, wisdom and the elemental tools for life survival and shared them with his readers. It's a good book to read.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational and highly recommended
An expert in the business of buying, selling, and caring for fine art, author Carl David presents Bader Field: A Journey of Love, Forgiveness and Acceptance, a personal memoir... Read more
Published on July 11, 2009 by Midwest Book Review
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
Carl David takes us on a trip through his life following the unexpected death of his father at the age of 58. Read more
Published on May 28, 2009 by grumpydan
