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COPYRIGHT 2001 Cahners Business Information
Library Journal
May 15, 2001 v126 i9 p140

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Banvard's Folly: Thirteen Tales of Renowned Obscurity, Famous Anonymity, and Rotten Luck. (Review)_(book review) Michael D. Cramer.

Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2001 Cahners Business Information

Collins, Paul. Banvard's Folly: Thirteen Tales of Renowned Obscurity, Famous Anonymity, and Rotten Luck. Picador: St. Martin's. May 2001. 272p. photogs. ISBN 0-312-26886-6. $25. HIST

The eponymous John Banvard was a wealthy, world-famous artist in the 1800s. None of his contemporaries would have suspected that his colorful life and its lessons would be forgotten. A regular contributor to McSweeney's magazine, Collins here revives Banvard's story--and 12 other tales of ability gone astray--with fascination, humor, sympathy, and a strong sense of each subject's historical milieu. The time periods covered range from the early 1700s to the early 20th century, and the subjects include science, forgery, literature, astronomy, and music. All of Collins's subjects possessed character in abundance, and talent that may have been less so, and all have been reclaimed from obscurity for our enjoyment and edification. Highly recommended for all collections, particularly public libraries.--Michael D. Cramer, Cigna Healthcare, Raleigh, NC

Named Works: Banvard's Folly: Thirteen Tales of Renowned Obscurity, Famous Anonymity, and Rotten Luck (Book) - Reviews

Copyright Library Journal
Article A75248325

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