Politics and Presidents are touchy subjects, never more so then they currently are. So while I don't want to cross the line into the contentious, I have to be perfectly honest and say I never would have expected myself purchasing one of President Bush's books. But I watched an interview with him from Jimmy Kimmel's show while he was promoting this book, and when he mentioned that all the proceeds to to supporting causes for veterans, I said “I'm in”. Because I think supporting our vets and our troops is something that needs to cross party lines.
In this book, former President Bush gives a brief narrative for why he took up painting and why he chose to focus so many on veterans in particular. The main body of the book contains the paintings and then brief vignettes about the individuals in each painting. He closes the book with some ideas that everyone can do to educate themselves about challenges veterans face when they come home and ways the we can stand by them as they navigate those challenges.
I bought the kindle book, and it was super well linked. Each individual service member has their own link to their section. Reading the way President Bush writes about these service men actually gave me a new and expanded perspective on him, it is very evident in the way he writes that he does care about their causes and is touched by them personally and as individuals.
He mentions in the book that he's a novice, and he's not sure how people will receive his works. I read a piece a couple years back by some artists and critics who weren't very flattering in their assessments, so I imagine he's already been exposed to some of that. Look, it's hard to put yourself out there with artwork, it's so subjective and based on personal tastes and preferences. What one person loves another loathes. I took a drawing class in college and got a B on a project...the professor's only reason was she hated my subject matter, thought it wasn't mature enough, the thrust of her criticism was not about my technique. That's how the world of art goes. Highly opinionated.
I think it's true that President Bush's former occupation has given him a platform for public success in his artistic endeavors that many artists don't have, so he has not had to rely strictly on how appealing his works are to others. And yet, while the style he uses isn't my personal favorite, I do think his portraits convey emotion and give a sense of the personalities of the individuals he's painting, and in my mind, that's what makes a work successful...if it can evoke or convey emotion and expression.
So overall, I think this is a well done, well written book that promotes a good cause and I find it to be an interesting and worthwhile read.
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Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors Hardcover – Illustrated, February 28, 2017
by
George W. Bush
(Author),
Laura Bush
(Foreword),
Peter General Pace
(Foreword)
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George W. Bush
(Author)
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Print length192 pages
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LanguageEnglish
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PublisherCrown
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Publication dateFebruary 28, 2017
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Dimensions8.38 x 0.88 x 10.29 inches
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ISBN-100804189765
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ISBN-13978-0804189767
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“[A] departure from anything anyone named Bush — or any other President — has published after leaving office . . . Accompanying the portraits are stories, also written by Bush, about how each subject dealt with setback and then mounted a recovery. The paths are anything but straightforward, and Bush's book, in words and pictures, is a challenge and a road map for anyone who faces difficulty.”
-TIME
“What an uplifting volume. It’s a testament to, for sure, the GIs it portrays – and, by implication, to all our soldiers, airmen, and sailors. It’s also a tale of life’s capacity to surprise, its ability to hand up new and unexpected lives not only to these veterans but also to their constitutional commander.”
-Seth Lipsky, New York Post
“Evocative and surprisingly adept . . . After staring at the haunting close-up portraits of wounded warriors and reading the searing accounts of their suffering, I’m beginning to understand why this beautifully published book went to No. 1 on The Times’s nonfiction best-seller list.”
-Jonathan Alter, the New York Times Book Review
“Most of [the portraits] show the head and face full size, seemingly bursting out of the frame with genuine presence and considerable expressive energy . . . There is genuine empathy in Bush’s embrace of the stories told by these soldiers . . . He demonstrates in this book and in these paintings virtues that are sadly lacking at the top of the American political pyramid today: curiosity, compassion, the commitment to learn something new and the humility to learn it in public.”
-Philip Kennicott, the Washington Post
“[It’s] impossible to look at these 98 extraordinary images without thinking deeply about the artist who made them: A leader who sent troops off to the battlefield, and who, so many years later, spends his days channeling the damaged but determined warriors who came home . . . Spend a little time in the presence of these pictures, and one is overwhelmed by their subjects’ sacrifices, their courage, their strength and, in some cases, their turmoil.”
-Task and Purpose
-TIME
“What an uplifting volume. It’s a testament to, for sure, the GIs it portrays – and, by implication, to all our soldiers, airmen, and sailors. It’s also a tale of life’s capacity to surprise, its ability to hand up new and unexpected lives not only to these veterans but also to their constitutional commander.”
-Seth Lipsky, New York Post
“Evocative and surprisingly adept . . . After staring at the haunting close-up portraits of wounded warriors and reading the searing accounts of their suffering, I’m beginning to understand why this beautifully published book went to No. 1 on The Times’s nonfiction best-seller list.”
-Jonathan Alter, the New York Times Book Review
“Most of [the portraits] show the head and face full size, seemingly bursting out of the frame with genuine presence and considerable expressive energy . . . There is genuine empathy in Bush’s embrace of the stories told by these soldiers . . . He demonstrates in this book and in these paintings virtues that are sadly lacking at the top of the American political pyramid today: curiosity, compassion, the commitment to learn something new and the humility to learn it in public.”
-Philip Kennicott, the Washington Post
“[It’s] impossible to look at these 98 extraordinary images without thinking deeply about the artist who made them: A leader who sent troops off to the battlefield, and who, so many years later, spends his days channeling the damaged but determined warriors who came home . . . Spend a little time in the presence of these pictures, and one is overwhelmed by their subjects’ sacrifices, their courage, their strength and, in some cases, their turmoil.”
-Task and Purpose
About the Author
George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States, serving from 2001 to 2009. He previously served as Governor of Texas. He and his wife, Laura, now live in Dallas, where they founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University. President Bush is also the author of three #1 bestsellers: Decision Points, his presidential memoir; 41, a biography of his father, President George H.W. Bush; and Portraits of Courage, a collection of oil paintings and stories honoring the sacrifice and courage of America’s military veterans.
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Product details
- Publisher : Crown; Illustrated edition (February 28, 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 192 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0804189765
- ISBN-13 : 978-0804189767
- Item Weight : 2.21 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.38 x 0.88 x 10.29 inches
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#28,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #7 in Art Portraits
- #20 in Vietnam War Biographies (Books)
- #32 in United States Military Veterans History
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,712 global ratings
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2017
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277 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2017
I'm an artist and a Liberal. My hats off to this man for spending his time and talent on something so dignified.
365 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
A PRESIDENTIAL WORK worthy of keep regardless of one’s political view. As an artist, I was intrigued to hear about this book by former President George W. Bush. The president took on art (painting) after leaving the office, without any previous art background, but his desire to paint lead to this book; Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors. The title of the book is kind of self-explanatory, it deals with the courageous men and women who served in the military. A story about their lives before their call of duty and their day to life now. These men and women are true heroes and heroine. The book 191 pages are filled with many, many characters and their stories. There is also a section in the book, I really like as an artist. It gives more details about the paintings. Such as the medium the president used and the size of the painting. Furthermore, the index section, allows the reader to quickly find each individual within the book. Another thing to mention is the dust jacket of the book. Its design is quite brilliant. There is representation of seven paintings on the front cover. These paintings have a separate texture than the dust jacket smooth coating. Therefore, it gives you the feel as if you were touching an oil painting on canvas. I thought this was brilliant. The book is a large book, measuring Ten by eight inches. It will make a great coffee table book and something special to keep in anyone's personal library. Also, the book will make a great gift for the men and women that featured in this book, or their families and people who know them, or anyone in general and all artists as well. Lastly, the president did not just paint these men and women, but he has met with most of them personally multiple of times. Like all True Commander in Chief should do.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A PRESIDENTIAL WORK worthy of keep regardless of one’s political view.
By Massachusetts on March 11, 2017
A PRESIDENTIAL WORK worthy of keep regardless of one’s political view. As an artist, I was intrigued to hear about this book by former President George W. Bush. The president took on art (painting) after leaving the office, without any previous art background, but his desire to paint lead to this book; Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors. The title of the book is kind of self-explanatory, it deals with the courageous men and women who served in the military. A story about their lives before their call of duty and their day to life now. These men and women are true heroes and heroine. The book 191 pages are filled with many, many characters and their stories. There is also a section in the book, I really like as an artist. It gives more details about the paintings. Such as the medium the president used and the size of the painting. Furthermore, the index section, allows the reader to quickly find each individual within the book. Another thing to mention is the dust jacket of the book. Its design is quite brilliant. There is representation of seven paintings on the front cover. These paintings have a separate texture than the dust jacket smooth coating. Therefore, it gives you the feel as if you were touching an oil painting on canvas. I thought this was brilliant. The book is a large book, measuring Ten by eight inches. It will make a great coffee table book and something special to keep in anyone's personal library. Also, the book will make a great gift for the men and women that featured in this book, or their families and people who know them, or anyone in general and all artists as well. Lastly, the president did not just paint these men and women, but he has met with most of them personally multiple of times. Like all True Commander in Chief should do.
By Massachusetts on March 11, 2017
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104 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2017
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This is an amazing and inspiring book that every American should own. I feel this way because we, as American Citizens, really need to think more about the individuals who volunteer to preserve our freedoms; freedoms we often take for granted. These stories of men and women who have served our country and sacrificed much for us will help each reader to see beyond statistics and see a glimpse of the person who selflessly serves and protects. I have contributed to the Wounded Warriors project because of the wonderful support it provides - it is the least I can do for these brave individuals. I don't want to forget their commitment to the United States and this book is a wonderful tribute to them and to all who serve in any branch of the military and I will treasure it. Thank you President Bush for reminding us of the true meaning of being an American. And by the way, for the reviewer who said this book was printed in China??? really, where did they get that from; my book shows it was printed in the United States.
13 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2017
Verified Purchase
I was watching Ellen shows when I see Former President Bush on the stages and talked about life after his presidency. And also talk about his book about military men's and women's in service. Wow the former president wrote a book? I was so excited to go online and get it and read it right away. Anyway I chose this rating because I was very touched about our veterans what they've been going through after service.. I was crying while reading all their stories. And as a matter of fact it will help me to help my friend suffering from PTS. God Bless You Mr. Bush I really like that you find time to write and helped our military men and women in service. Keep up the good work!
55 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2017
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Amazing!!! Great book. To see how much veterans mean to president bush and the work he does for wounded warriors is amazing!! Highly recommend.
86 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
loopy loo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2017Verified Purchase
bought for grandson he likes it
T3L
4.0 out of 5 stars
Als Sammelobjekt super!
Reviewed in Germany on July 6, 2021Verified Purchase
Große und hochwertig verarbeitete Ausgabe im Schuber, die dafür aber auch ihren Preis hat. Die Signatur befindet sich direkt im Buch und ist nicht eingeklebt. Das mir zugestellte Exemplar war noch original eingeschweißt. Leider wies es bereits Schäden auf, hier ist mir Amazon aber mit einem Preisnachlass entgegengekommen.
Ich finde das "Portraits of Courage"-Werk vor dem Hintergrund Bushs politischen Lebens etwas interessanter als "Out of Many, One".
> 166,26€
> Portraits of Courage Deluxe Signed Edition: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors
Ich finde das "Portraits of Courage"-Werk vor dem Hintergrund Bushs politischen Lebens etwas interessanter als "Out of Many, One".
> 166,26€
> Portraits of Courage Deluxe Signed Edition: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors
Karenv
5.0 out of 5 stars
GW has a soft side
Reviewed in Canada on July 11, 2019Verified Purchase
I am no GW fan but I think his painting is very sweet. I give him kudos for putting himself out there as he’s not trained. And, he paints veterans.
Gabriele
5.0 out of 5 stars
High quality publication
Reviewed in Italy on December 9, 2017Verified Purchase
This book is very high quality.
Every part of this book indicates quality: the images, the print, the paper, the binding.
Every part of this book indicates quality: the images, the print, the paper, the binding.
Andrea Doria
5.0 out of 5 stars
tolle Bilder
Reviewed in Germany on December 11, 2018Verified Purchase
Wer hätte gedacht, dass G.W. Bush so tiefgründige Portraits anfertigen kann. Kann er aber. Und wie.
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