Martha's Vineyard: An Affectionate Memoir

by Ray G. Ellis, Ralph Graves

The legendary island of Martha's Vineyard is revealed as never before through inspiring paintings by Ray Ellis and a captivating history by Ralph Graves.  Martha's Vineyard is a celebrated vacation haven equally captivating summer residents and daytrippers. Among the Island's ardent admirers was Ray Ellis, whose paintings created over a 25–year period depict his love of the Vineyard, and Ralph Graves, whose lively, affectionate history spans 400 years. Offering great natural beauty, the Vineyard, separated from Cape Cod by a seven–mile stretch of ocean, is a perfect place for a summer vacation. The Islands devotees have included public people who value their privacy, Jacqueline Onassis, Princess Diana and President Clinton, to name a few, as well as ordinary folks who are seeking a special holiday. Featuring 100 of Ray Ellis' luminescent oils and watercolors, this book provides a unique appreciation of the Islands delights. Here is a wide range of scenes from quiet landscapes to such beloved annual events as the county fair. In addition to vignettes of sunny months Ray Ellis salutes the Vineyard at other times of the year―the glorious arrival of fall, the sedate pace of winter and the inaugural of springtime. Rounding out this marvelous pictorial album is a fascinating text by Ralph Graves. He has written a concise history from its discovery in 1602 to its present–day active conservation efforts. The memoir also includes interviews with five long–time residents who provide insightful, firsthand accounts of their special connection to the Island. This book is an ideal gift for anyone who has ever felt the lure of the Vineyard as well as for those who have yet to fall in love with this extraordinary Island.

Genres: Art, Travel

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided it would be a good idea to read something light and breezy today, and this was the perfect book for that task. I bought this book as a souvenir during one of my summer vacations to the Island in the mid-1990s, and it has has been sitting on my coffee table ever since. Believe it or not, I have never taken the time to read Ralph Graves' short, entertaining history of the Island. Until now, I haven't spent time to go through the entire collection of paintings presented in the book. This collection contains Ray Ellis' iconic paintings of the harbors, beaches and homes of Martha's Vineyard in all seasons and all times of day. A few scenes at night capture the reflection of the moonlight on the ocean.

I am particularly drawn to Mr. Ellis' treatment of the clouds across the open skies. I have spent many happy days in July or August on State Road beach, digging a hole in the sand with my feet as I stare at the clouds in sky and then turn back to whatever book I am reading at the time. Considering this day, it is worth mentioning that the Edgartown 4th of July parade has often been a vacation highlight for me. I love to sit on the curb and watch people in their various Cape Code red, eggshell white, and navy blue outfits as the floats go by, surrounded by the classic Edgartown homes with the summer rose gardens in full bloom. There weren't any paintings of parade day in Edgartown, but there are plenty of other views of Edgartown in the book.

This book is definitely worth the read for any Ray Ellis fan and for anyone who hasn't seen the ocean in a while. I don't know why I never took the time to read this book, but I'm glad I did. It would have been even better if I had sand in my toes and big, fluffy clouds floating over my head.