Charles R. Knight: The Artist Who Saw Through Time [Hardcover]

Richard Milner (Author), Rhoda Knight Kalt (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2012

American wildlife artist Charles R. Knight (1874–1953) spent a lifetime creating some of the first paintings and sculptures of dinosaurs, mammoths, and cavemen that were both spectacularly beautiful and scientifically accurate. For generations, his work has inspired scientists, artists, and filmmakers all over the world. This richly illustrated celebration of Knight’s artwork gathers together famous and never-before-seen paintings, sculptures, sketches, and murals. In addition to a new biographical essay, it also features excerpts from Knight’s extensive writings about extinct and modern animals. Above all, it provides a refreshing new look at Knight’s lifelong quest to depict the range of animal species, his struggles with failing eyesight, his desire for artistic independence, and his deep sense of kinship with Ice Age cave artists.

Praise for Charles R. Knight:

“Knight's paintings continue to enchant viewers.” —Los Angeles Times

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard Milner’s award-winning books include The Encyclopedia of Evolution (1990), Darwin’s Universe: Evolution from A to Z (2009), and The Last Human (2007). A longtime editor of Natural History magazine, he is a frequent contributor to top science journals, and has appeared on the History Channel, Animal Planet, Nova, BBC Two, and the Discovery Channel. Rhoda Knight Kalt contributes a warm introduction about her beloved grandfather.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Abrams (March 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810984792
• ISBN-13: 978-0810984790
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 0.8 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #118,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Themes > Plants & Animals

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic paleo-art February 22, 2012

By Scott Wyatt

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was a young child when Charles R. Knight passed away and I wish I had been able to let him know how greatly his beautifully rendered images affected me. I ended up majoring in Zoology and fossils can be found in most rooms of my house. I have never been to New York to see their collection of his paintings at the American Museum of Natural History but I have visited the Field Museum in Chicago several times and have several prints I obtained from that institution hanging in my living room. This volume contains beautifully reproduced images of his works, often accompanied by his own words from his several volumes of published non-fiction. This book does not contain all of his exhibited work but does include a substantial number of previously unpublished art as well as many of his iconic works. Highly recommended!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Art that is stunning in its beauty and power February 17, 2012

By W. Andrew Terrill

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

It is not unusual for reflective people to be moved by beautiful and exciting art. I often travel to New York, and I have never failed to be moved by the murals of Charles Knight at the American Museum of Natural History. Richard Milner's valuable new study is filled with strikingly beautiful examples of Charles Knight's art and reminds us of the power of this brilliant artist. Knight's renderings of living and prehistoric animals comprise an important contribution to science and the popular imagination. In particular, Knight's interactions with paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope allowed him to create art that helped introduce the public to the prehistoric world. Milner's book underscores Knight's willingness to recreate entire lost worlds rather than simply specialize in a few species. It also shows the pervasiveness of his influence on popular views of dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals. While Knight's work no longer reflects the most current theories on dinosaur posture and behavior, it is still strikingly realistic. Additionally, to enjoy this book even further you might wish to view the pbs American Experience program "Dinosaur Wars," about the feud between Cope and O.C. Marsh. American Experience: Dinosaur Wars W. Andrew Terrill, Ph.D.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous book! April 3, 2012

By knight fan

Format:Hardcover

Charles R. Knight: The Artist Who Saw Through TimeThis is a stunningly beautiful book that spans the entire range of the nature artist Charles R. Knight, who basically formed our notions of what the prehistoric world was like at all periods in the remote past. Largely in Knight's own words, taken from letters, journal entries and his amazingly eloquent books, Richard Milner, Charles Darwin's own modern alter ego, has created a haunting evocation of Knight's life work, including his trials and tribulations as well as his artistic achievements. Lavishly and punctiliously illustrated to show the entire range of Knight's phenomenal output, this lovely book is a worthy tribute to an unparalleled artistic career.