The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 40, October 7, 2007, Article 6

NEW BOOK: STRIKING CHANGE BY MICHAEL MORAN

[A new book planned for a December 2007 release is available
for pre-ordering at the Whitman Publications web site.
Authored by Michael Moran, the title is "Striking Change:
The Great Artistic Collaboration of Theodore Roosevelt and
Augustus Saint-Gaudens".  Below are excerpts from the
Whitman site.  -Editor]

"Striking Change offers a fresh new look at the life of
Saint‐Gaudens—the man and the artist—and the remarkable
partnership he forged with Theodore Roosevelt to reinvigorate
the country's numismatic art. Author Michael Moran explores
Saint-Gaudens's coin designs in the context of his monumental
sculptures and American culture of the time. Through first-
person accounts, behind-the-scenes conversations, and
explosive public drama, we come to know the larger-than-
life personalities involved in this renaissance of fine
art. Striking Change illuminates the politics, the genius,
the struggles, and ultimately the triumph of an
extraordinary American journey."

[The following notes were penned by Q. David Bowers.
-Editor]

"The text is particularly valuable in showcasing the
sculptor's activities with important numismatic projects
beyond the famous 1907 coinage. While the story of the coins
has been told in depth in several places, including in
Renaissance of American Coinage 1906–1908 (Burdette, 2007)
and United States Gold Coins: An Illustrated History (Bowers,
1982), treatment of the important medals has ranged from
scarcely anything, to light sketches. Striking Change ends
that."

"Further, the author gives a comprehensive look at the
design competition for new United States coins in 1891.
This involved quite a bit of effort at the time, but
ultimately ended as a non-event, as outside artists consulted
in the competition did not seem to have created motifs that
anyone liked — and Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber of the
United States Mint ended up creating new motifs for the
dime, quarter, and half dollar."

"Although the historical and numismatic narrative and
details are the main focus of this book, it is entertaining
as well. The net result is a good read, in modern parlance—
a book that will inform as well as delight. It certainly
will be a welcome addition to the literature currently
available on Augustus Saint-Gaudens, without question
the most famous artist ever to be associated with American
coins and medals."

For more information about the book on Whitman's web site, see:
Whitman's Web Site

  Wayne Homren, Editor

	coinbooks.org Web

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