Witness To The Civil War: The Art Of John Paul Strain [Hardcover]

John Paul Strain (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 24, 2002

The acclaimed Forth Worth artist John Paul Strain creates images so vivid and realistic, it's as if the gallant soldiers, fierce battles, and moving images of the Civil War leap right off the pages of this exciting book. Strain, a Civil War historian, conducts meticulous research on specific events to present scenes of remarkable authority, enhanced with brilliant use of color and light.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Paul Strain, who has studied American and Civil War history intensively throughout his life, specialised in paintings of the American Wild West before he turned to Civil War artwork in which field he is now widely respected both for this historical knowledge and artistic interpretations.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Courage Books (November 24, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762414014
• ISBN-13: 978-0762414017
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 12 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #896,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful art, very reasonable price, November 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Witness To The Civil War: The Art Of John Paul Strain (Hardcover)

Readers of North and South magazine will be familiar withthis artist as he often paints the cover and has a full page ad for his gallery in most issues. My copy oddly enough has Fire in the Valley on the cover. The book pictured has Raid on the L and N. Dramitic, finely detailed art with excellent reproduction and unlike many art books not full of white space. The dust jacket has prints on back and front cover and the glossy hardcover reprints the same art. A class production all the way. You might buy it as a gift but will probably want one for yourself. The south makes the cover but north and south are both ictured. I especially liked his paintings of General Nathan Bedford Forrest.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Book - Best Quality, March 16, 2006

By 

A. Hearn (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Witness To The Civil War: The Art Of John Paul Strain (Hardcover)

This book is a jewel and deserves a place on every Civil War enthusiast's bookshelve. It doesn't get any better. It contains 46 of Strain's paintings but does not contain all his work, particularly his later work. Each painting is accompanied by narrative and personal notes, which tremendously enhances the enjoyment of this book. Strain's paintings are so detailed and historically accurate that gear, uniforms, and weapons can be specifically identified. Strain's paintings generally focus on scenes that highlight specific leaders in various non-battle situations, unlike Don Troiani, who prefers active battle scenes with anonomous characters.

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Civil War artist, December 12, 2010

By 

B. Nelson (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Witness To The Civil War: The Art Of John Paul Strain (Hardcover)

John Paul Strain is my favorite civil war artist. He is able to capture settings and distinctive facial characteristics that make it appear as if one is looking at a photograph. The poses of his characters is usually active and conveys realistic movement so that one feels one can reach out and touch the characters. This book is an excellent collection of many of his civil war paintings but if you're looking for more detail and depth look for his 32" x 36" paintings or prints.