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An Affair with Beauty #1
The Magic of Youth: The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy
Fame, fortune, and beautiful models--Howard Chandler Christy had them all.
Christy was the most famous American painter of the Jazz Age, a time when an elite brotherhood of New York artists dominated the publishing world. Christy had eclipsed all of them with his ''Christy Girl,'' an idealized woman who redefined beauty, influenced fashion, and inspired generations of women.
The Magic of Youth is the first book in An Affair with Beauty -- The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy, a biographical trilogy of the artist's epic life as told primarily through the eyes of his second wife, Nancy, a former Cosmopolitan model once considered to be one of the most beautiful women in America. As she reflects on her life, Nancy tells of first meeting Christy in 1912 and becoming his top model. She is captivated by his irresistible charm and the glamour of his enchanting world, but discovers that things are not always what they seem and even the great Christy has scandalous secrets.
Christy was the most famous American painter of the Jazz Age, a time when an elite brotherhood of New York artists dominated the publishing world. Christy had eclipsed all of them with his ''Christy Girl,'' an idealized woman who redefined beauty, influenced fashion, and inspired generations of women.
The Magic of Youth is the first book in An Affair with Beauty -- The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy, a biographical trilogy of the artist's epic life as told primarily through the eyes of his second wife, Nancy, a former Cosmopolitan model once considered to be one of the most beautiful women in America. As she reflects on her life, Nancy tells of first meeting Christy in 1912 and becoming his top model. She is captivated by his irresistible charm and the glamour of his enchanting world, but discovers that things are not always what they seem and even the great Christy has scandalous secrets.
- GenresArtNonfiction
292 pages, Hardcover
First published June 9, 2016
6 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
James Philip Head
3 books22 followersAs a freshman at the University of Maryland, Jim Head discovered a gilt-edged folio of Charles Dana Gibson’s The Social Ladder in the stacks of the campus library one night, starting him on a journey to learn more about Gibson and the “Illustrators of Beauty.” In turn, he became captivated with the talent, fame and eventual obscurity of Howard Chandler Christy, and began amassing the largest private collection of information related to the artist and his wife, Nancy. Over the years, to reveal the true untold story, he has engaged research assistants, uncovered thousands of letters and newspaper articles, and traveled throughout the US to interview dozens of people, including family members, former models, and others who knew the artist and his family. Head is a lawyer in Tysons Corner, Virginia where he concentrates in estate planning and trust and estate litigation. He lives in Chantilly, Virginia with his wife, Rita, and daughter, Christianna.
To learn more about Howard Chandler Christy, please visit Jim's website: www.anaffairwithbeauty.com
To learn more about Howard Chandler Christy, please visit Jim's website: www.anaffairwithbeauty.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 23, 2016
An affair With Beauty
I was at the book signing at the Barracks on Saturday, but, just had time to sit in my chair with a cup of tea and get into it. Sat up till 1 AM reading ! I didn't want to put it down to refresh the tea when the cup was empty.
My great-grandmother, grandmother and mother were raised in the area and filled my head with Christy stories for years as I grew up. I always thought I'd loved to have known him. I've lived close to the Barracks since 1973, and to read it is like walking to familiar places around me.
I purchased your book for me and my grown grand-daughter, also a Christy fan, but find that this isn't a "girly" book, but a book my husband will also enjoy do to the history of the area that is so much a part of it.
I thank you for your work in sharing something noble with the world and wish you all the best.
I was at the book signing at the Barracks on Saturday, but, just had time to sit in my chair with a cup of tea and get into it. Sat up till 1 AM reading ! I didn't want to put it down to refresh the tea when the cup was empty.
My great-grandmother, grandmother and mother were raised in the area and filled my head with Christy stories for years as I grew up. I always thought I'd loved to have known him. I've lived close to the Barracks since 1973, and to read it is like walking to familiar places around me.
I purchased your book for me and my grown grand-daughter, also a Christy fan, but find that this isn't a "girly" book, but a book my husband will also enjoy do to the history of the area that is so much a part of it.
I thank you for your work in sharing something noble with the world and wish you all the best.
September 6, 2016
What was it like to be a "rock star" public figure during the Gilded Age? We find out in James Philip Head's interpretive biography, An Affair With Beauty -- a remarkable debut work.
Head artfully paints a lush portrait of Gilded Age life in the company of gifted illustrator Howard Chandler Christy (1872-1952), whose career rapidly skyrocketed during his youth, enabling him to achieve "rock star" status for his time. In his era, Christy was the most famous illustrator in America.
I read this elegant book during a single train ride from Richmond to Manhattan and simply could not put it down. Interpreting the artist's life story is the voice of Christy's beloved second wife, Nancy Palmer Christy, a former Cosmopolitan model who was once considered one of the most beautiful women in America during the early 20th century. Head brilliantly employs flashback and frame narration that may remind one of such classic novels as The Great Gatsby and Brideshead Revisted, or such cinematic works as Citizen Kane and Sunset Boulevard. Head shows great talent as a writer. He knows how to deliver a biographical work without the usual psychological-analytical mumbo jumbo that one finds in contemporary biographies about artists. He doesn't intrude upon the reader with modern opinions but skillfully and poetically weaves facts into his tale.
Even more rare is Head's deft ability to keep the reader's curiosity continually piqued with the rags-to-riches tale of Christy's life. The artist emerged from humble beginnings. He grew up on an Ohio farm, and as a teenager, ventured to New York City to become an artist. Thereafter, he secured a livelihood as magazine illustrator, first gaining acclaim for his sketches of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War and later becoming a sought-after illustrator of books, magazines, and posters. Inspired by Gibson, Christy created the “Christy Girl” -- “an idealized portrayal of feminine perfection intermixed with independence and confidence,” who was “virtuous, athletic, secure, graceful, and determined.” He helped judge the first Miss America pageant in 1921, and subsequent ones, too. In 1921, he turned to the more prestigious field of portrait painting, and his clients included celebrities, movie stars, presidents, princes and living legends. This artistic shift catapulted Christy into stardom, precipitating great demand for his work at a hefty price that few could afford. Christy was also commissioned to produce historically commemorative works, the most notable being "The Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" (1940), which was installed in the east stairwell of the U.S. Capitol.
Head spent more than a decade absorbing the pages of Nancy Palmer Christy's old diaries, fishing through dusty archives, and interviewing Christy's former models and relatives -- most of whom are now deceased. The book benefits greatly from his meticulous research. Notably, the book contains 62 black and white and color photos, which is unusual for printed works today.
Head's work is a trilogy, so I eagerly anticipate Books II and III now and hope that he speeds them to market. To my Goodreads Friends, if you appreciate American cultural history, biographies/memoirs, fashion and art/illustration, this book is a must-read. Romance lovers will find the poetic narrative intriguing as well and I suspect there will be even more romance in the next installments. If you loved Memoirs of a Geisha, Loving Frank or The Paris Wife, this book is for you -- especially because it is a well-told true story of a once celebrated, larger-than-life star.
Head artfully paints a lush portrait of Gilded Age life in the company of gifted illustrator Howard Chandler Christy (1872-1952), whose career rapidly skyrocketed during his youth, enabling him to achieve "rock star" status for his time. In his era, Christy was the most famous illustrator in America.
I read this elegant book during a single train ride from Richmond to Manhattan and simply could not put it down. Interpreting the artist's life story is the voice of Christy's beloved second wife, Nancy Palmer Christy, a former Cosmopolitan model who was once considered one of the most beautiful women in America during the early 20th century. Head brilliantly employs flashback and frame narration that may remind one of such classic novels as The Great Gatsby and Brideshead Revisted, or such cinematic works as Citizen Kane and Sunset Boulevard. Head shows great talent as a writer. He knows how to deliver a biographical work without the usual psychological-analytical mumbo jumbo that one finds in contemporary biographies about artists. He doesn't intrude upon the reader with modern opinions but skillfully and poetically weaves facts into his tale.
Even more rare is Head's deft ability to keep the reader's curiosity continually piqued with the rags-to-riches tale of Christy's life. The artist emerged from humble beginnings. He grew up on an Ohio farm, and as a teenager, ventured to New York City to become an artist. Thereafter, he secured a livelihood as magazine illustrator, first gaining acclaim for his sketches of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War and later becoming a sought-after illustrator of books, magazines, and posters. Inspired by Gibson, Christy created the “Christy Girl” -- “an idealized portrayal of feminine perfection intermixed with independence and confidence,” who was “virtuous, athletic, secure, graceful, and determined.” He helped judge the first Miss America pageant in 1921, and subsequent ones, too. In 1921, he turned to the more prestigious field of portrait painting, and his clients included celebrities, movie stars, presidents, princes and living legends. This artistic shift catapulted Christy into stardom, precipitating great demand for his work at a hefty price that few could afford. Christy was also commissioned to produce historically commemorative works, the most notable being "The Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" (1940), which was installed in the east stairwell of the U.S. Capitol.
Head spent more than a decade absorbing the pages of Nancy Palmer Christy's old diaries, fishing through dusty archives, and interviewing Christy's former models and relatives -- most of whom are now deceased. The book benefits greatly from his meticulous research. Notably, the book contains 62 black and white and color photos, which is unusual for printed works today.
Head's work is a trilogy, so I eagerly anticipate Books II and III now and hope that he speeds them to market. To my Goodreads Friends, if you appreciate American cultural history, biographies/memoirs, fashion and art/illustration, this book is a must-read. Romance lovers will find the poetic narrative intriguing as well and I suspect there will be even more romance in the next installments. If you loved Memoirs of a Geisha, Loving Frank or The Paris Wife, this book is for you -- especially because it is a well-told true story of a once celebrated, larger-than-life star.
July 29, 2016
Oh my, where do I start? This book was educational, entertaining, engrossing and enthralling. I absolutely loved the insight into the life of Howard Chandler Christy and Nancy Christy. Having had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Head introduce his book in 2009, I was anxious for it's release, it was everything and more that what I had hoped for. I enjoyed the historical details and the many illustrations and photos. I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy.
July 24, 2016
Nancy Palmer had clear ideas when she was a teenager of 16 years: thanks to her beauty she decided to leave her parents and her old life. She wanted in fact, to become a Gibson girl. So, the first step? The Big Apple.
At that time the most famous painter and illustrator in New York City was mr. Gibson. Portraying myriads of girls, Gibson was in grade to influence thanks to his drawings, paintings and illustrations the American culture and style course.
Nancy arrived to NYC and arranged a meeting with Gibson, although Gibson told her he preferred to recommend her to Christy if she wouldn't mind. Adding: if he will bring you to Ohio where he is born you will return as Mrs. Christy.
It's an effervescent book this first memoirs part, An Affair with Beauty - The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy - The Magic of Youth - cover91991-medium written by James Philip Head and published by North Loop Books. A trilogy, this one the first part.
Once at the university Head discovered a gilt-edged folio of Charles Gibson's The Social Ladder, starting to fall in love immediately for these illustrations. Illustrations of beautiful girls, Gibson was the first so-called "Illustrator of Beauty."
Although Head interested by Gibson's work later he became fascinated by the art of Howard Chandler Christy, personification of the American Dream. Poor, thanks to his talent Christy became one of the most relevant, acclaimed and stunning artist of his time.
Since there, James Head researched for people and illustrations and places and museums, knocking at doors always opened, interviewing wagons of relatives, friends, and people in contact with the painter and illustrator. At the end he decided to write with this material some books.
As also Nancy did, Howard Christy as said, left his house in Ohio for moving his first steps as illustrator in NYC.
His teacher incredibly enthusiastic for this devoted and very talented pupil, the young man became very soon one of the main illustrators of the most prestigious and big magazines in New York City. It says all of his genuine talent and geniality, although for example Christy said once to a very young Nancy that talent all alone wouldn't never have paid. Training a talented person the best thing for obtaining the best.
After a while, and continuing we can say for all his life this process of researching for beauty and beautiful women for paintings and illustrations, Christy developed the desire also to portray famous people and situations. Actors, actresses, various Presidents of the Usa, senators, Benito Mussolini, the italian dictator. Christy portrayed everyone.
Born at the end of 1800, the fatal meeting with Nancy Palmer and their marriage.
Nancy remembers in the book that at the time of their first meeting he was 39 but he demonstrated 25 years and he was absolutely the most beautiful man she had every seen in all her life.
The first time he met him, well I guess it was a sort of dream to her, at the old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
In itself the book is explored and narrated in first person choosing the privileged voice, eyes and spirit of the second-wife of the famous illustrator: Nancy Palmer Christy.
Mrs.Christy will remember firstly the day of the departure of her husband in 1942. 80 year, Christy was born in 1872 although he always thought he was born in 1873. Nancy remembers he hadn't lost his enthusiasm for life.
According to Christy three words will follow people for their entire life: Youth, Age and Beauty.
Youth, as also said Lorenzo Dé Medici, pretty quickly will pass away leaving the place at other Life's seasons. The second word let us think we are not anymore that young the word: "Age." Age means that we can start to compare the "dear old times" with the the newest people's ones. But so, should we start to be sad because we are more adult? No because age brings wisdom, a different capacity of seeing things under other perspectives, because it's a normal growth of body and spirit.
Of course mrs Nancy said some of their friends complained a lot sometimes for not being anymore as young as they were, but not them.
What will remain so of this life and what will be searched for all the life from Man? Beauty. Beauty in fact is not dirty, offensive, immoral, but harmonic, immortal and in peace with the universe and good for our souls and our feelings.
This philosophy inspired all Christy's life.
The book opens officially, after an introduction on the works of Christy with the heart attack and unexpected departure of the creative.
They didn't wait something so abruptly and dramatic, tells Nancy Christy although Christy had suffered of a heart attack one night closely to Christmas in 1941. He sorted out that first heart attack successfully.
Nancy remembers the touching moments followed the news of the heart attack of her husband.
Once returned home Christy started to receive every sorta of gifts,flowers, baskets of food, stay-well cards from the most diversified and famous people. Christy was a friend of reverend Norman Vincent Peale and he wrote him beautiful and encouraging words.
It was a day like another one, when Christy asked to his wife to go to the bank. Mrs Christy left the husband with one of their maid and a dear beloved friend for discovering at her return that her husband, the reason of her life was passed away.
Nancy Christy lived devastatingly moments. She felt a cold spot in a room for example, and she lived per years with the memory of her husband without to search other company. The funeral will take a lot of pages because Nancy Christy interested to remember all the most important and famous participants at the funeral.
Then, fresh air, absolutely another atmosphere, her first meeting with her future husband, and her trip with him in Ohio, a trip for discovering a place the artist loved a lot, but also for understand him and his soul much better.
The scheme of the book starts with the end of this illustrator and with the beginning of the romantic story with Nancy. I found it stylistically captivating.
It's an old-fashioned atmosphere, nostalgic, the structure of the book is precious, and also the English language extremely cured. Not the common English you find in modern books, but an old-fashioned style, precious as life once was precious.
The character of Nancy Christy wonderfully well portrayed by the writer for sure.
I can't wait to read the second book of this trilogy.
I thanks Netgalley for this beautiful book.
At that time the most famous painter and illustrator in New York City was mr. Gibson. Portraying myriads of girls, Gibson was in grade to influence thanks to his drawings, paintings and illustrations the American culture and style course.
Nancy arrived to NYC and arranged a meeting with Gibson, although Gibson told her he preferred to recommend her to Christy if she wouldn't mind. Adding: if he will bring you to Ohio where he is born you will return as Mrs. Christy.
It's an effervescent book this first memoirs part, An Affair with Beauty - The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy - The Magic of Youth - cover91991-medium written by James Philip Head and published by North Loop Books. A trilogy, this one the first part.
Once at the university Head discovered a gilt-edged folio of Charles Gibson's The Social Ladder, starting to fall in love immediately for these illustrations. Illustrations of beautiful girls, Gibson was the first so-called "Illustrator of Beauty."
Although Head interested by Gibson's work later he became fascinated by the art of Howard Chandler Christy, personification of the American Dream. Poor, thanks to his talent Christy became one of the most relevant, acclaimed and stunning artist of his time.
Since there, James Head researched for people and illustrations and places and museums, knocking at doors always opened, interviewing wagons of relatives, friends, and people in contact with the painter and illustrator. At the end he decided to write with this material some books.
As also Nancy did, Howard Christy as said, left his house in Ohio for moving his first steps as illustrator in NYC.
His teacher incredibly enthusiastic for this devoted and very talented pupil, the young man became very soon one of the main illustrators of the most prestigious and big magazines in New York City. It says all of his genuine talent and geniality, although for example Christy said once to a very young Nancy that talent all alone wouldn't never have paid. Training a talented person the best thing for obtaining the best.
After a while, and continuing we can say for all his life this process of researching for beauty and beautiful women for paintings and illustrations, Christy developed the desire also to portray famous people and situations. Actors, actresses, various Presidents of the Usa, senators, Benito Mussolini, the italian dictator. Christy portrayed everyone.
Born at the end of 1800, the fatal meeting with Nancy Palmer and their marriage.
Nancy remembers in the book that at the time of their first meeting he was 39 but he demonstrated 25 years and he was absolutely the most beautiful man she had every seen in all her life.
The first time he met him, well I guess it was a sort of dream to her, at the old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
In itself the book is explored and narrated in first person choosing the privileged voice, eyes and spirit of the second-wife of the famous illustrator: Nancy Palmer Christy.
Mrs.Christy will remember firstly the day of the departure of her husband in 1942. 80 year, Christy was born in 1872 although he always thought he was born in 1873. Nancy remembers he hadn't lost his enthusiasm for life.
According to Christy three words will follow people for their entire life: Youth, Age and Beauty.
Youth, as also said Lorenzo Dé Medici, pretty quickly will pass away leaving the place at other Life's seasons. The second word let us think we are not anymore that young the word: "Age." Age means that we can start to compare the "dear old times" with the the newest people's ones. But so, should we start to be sad because we are more adult? No because age brings wisdom, a different capacity of seeing things under other perspectives, because it's a normal growth of body and spirit.
Of course mrs Nancy said some of their friends complained a lot sometimes for not being anymore as young as they were, but not them.
What will remain so of this life and what will be searched for all the life from Man? Beauty. Beauty in fact is not dirty, offensive, immoral, but harmonic, immortal and in peace with the universe and good for our souls and our feelings.
This philosophy inspired all Christy's life.
The book opens officially, after an introduction on the works of Christy with the heart attack and unexpected departure of the creative.
They didn't wait something so abruptly and dramatic, tells Nancy Christy although Christy had suffered of a heart attack one night closely to Christmas in 1941. He sorted out that first heart attack successfully.
Nancy remembers the touching moments followed the news of the heart attack of her husband.
Once returned home Christy started to receive every sorta of gifts,flowers, baskets of food, stay-well cards from the most diversified and famous people. Christy was a friend of reverend Norman Vincent Peale and he wrote him beautiful and encouraging words.
It was a day like another one, when Christy asked to his wife to go to the bank. Mrs Christy left the husband with one of their maid and a dear beloved friend for discovering at her return that her husband, the reason of her life was passed away.
Nancy Christy lived devastatingly moments. She felt a cold spot in a room for example, and she lived per years with the memory of her husband without to search other company. The funeral will take a lot of pages because Nancy Christy interested to remember all the most important and famous participants at the funeral.
Then, fresh air, absolutely another atmosphere, her first meeting with her future husband, and her trip with him in Ohio, a trip for discovering a place the artist loved a lot, but also for understand him and his soul much better.
The scheme of the book starts with the end of this illustrator and with the beginning of the romantic story with Nancy. I found it stylistically captivating.
It's an old-fashioned atmosphere, nostalgic, the structure of the book is precious, and also the English language extremely cured. Not the common English you find in modern books, but an old-fashioned style, precious as life once was precious.
The character of Nancy Christy wonderfully well portrayed by the writer for sure.
I can't wait to read the second book of this trilogy.
I thanks Netgalley for this beautiful book.
June 21, 2016
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (06/16)
Article first published as Book Review: ‘An Affair With Beauty’ by James Philip Head on Blogcritics.
“An Affair with Beauty – The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy: The Magic of Youth,” is the first book in a trilogy by James Philip Head about the legendary artist Howard Chandler Christy. Howard is most famous for creating “The Christy Girl,” who was meant to represent the beautiful traits of the women from that era. His main inspiration was his beloved second wife, Nancy Palmer Christy. From the 1910s to the 1930s, she was thought to be one of the most beautiful women of that time. The author tells Howard’s story from the perspective of his wife. In this first book, we learn about how Howard’s achievements with painting people who later became historical legends and his love for painting beautiful women. Howard is also known for illustrating historical events that took place in the United States.
Incorporating vivid detail, photographs, and illustrations into this story, the author brings the Jazz era to life. Being able to see photographs of Howard from his childhood into his old age really helps illustrate the man he was. Having an opportunity to see his paintings and illustrations allowed me to see that while I recognized his famous works, I never knew the artist. He truly played a huge role in illustrating a great deal of American history. Whether he was painting The Signing of the United Nations Charter, or doing a portrait of a famous historical legend like General Douglas MacArthur, he truly knew how to capture the essence of the times. His Christy girls also brought the idea of the beauty of the women, at that time, to life.
By telling this story from the wife’s perspective, the author is also able to capture more of who Howard Chandler Christy really was, at least from her perspective. She was fairly naïve when she met him. He helped introduce her to the upper crust of society. She does well in making an entrance into this world and, she is able to walk us into his past, especially since she was able to visit where he was raised. Nancy Palmer Christy clearly adored her husband and was supportive of his endeavors. Looking through her eyes, we also get to meet his first wife who seems like a very complicated character. Outliving him, Nancy learns a lot more about who he was as she goes through his paperwork while handling his estate. Stepping into the beginning and the end of his life, I am intrigued to see what the next two books will offer regarding Howard’s experiences in the middle parts.
The author, James Philip Head, truly has a gift for writing. His talent to write in vivid detail brings Howard Chandler Christy’s story to life. Having been able to interview people that knew Christy also creates a more intriguing story. Christy was an artist that went from rags to riches and he appeared to have no problems stepping into the upper echelons of society. His friends, many of whom were legends in their own right, appeared to be very loyal to him. He wasn’t just an artist, he was a legend. “An Affair with Beauty” is highly recommended reading for people who enjoy biographies, art history, and books about the history of the United States.
Article first published as Book Review: ‘An Affair With Beauty’ by James Philip Head on Blogcritics.
“An Affair with Beauty – The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy: The Magic of Youth,” is the first book in a trilogy by James Philip Head about the legendary artist Howard Chandler Christy. Howard is most famous for creating “The Christy Girl,” who was meant to represent the beautiful traits of the women from that era. His main inspiration was his beloved second wife, Nancy Palmer Christy. From the 1910s to the 1930s, she was thought to be one of the most beautiful women of that time. The author tells Howard’s story from the perspective of his wife. In this first book, we learn about how Howard’s achievements with painting people who later became historical legends and his love for painting beautiful women. Howard is also known for illustrating historical events that took place in the United States.
Incorporating vivid detail, photographs, and illustrations into this story, the author brings the Jazz era to life. Being able to see photographs of Howard from his childhood into his old age really helps illustrate the man he was. Having an opportunity to see his paintings and illustrations allowed me to see that while I recognized his famous works, I never knew the artist. He truly played a huge role in illustrating a great deal of American history. Whether he was painting The Signing of the United Nations Charter, or doing a portrait of a famous historical legend like General Douglas MacArthur, he truly knew how to capture the essence of the times. His Christy girls also brought the idea of the beauty of the women, at that time, to life.
By telling this story from the wife’s perspective, the author is also able to capture more of who Howard Chandler Christy really was, at least from her perspective. She was fairly naïve when she met him. He helped introduce her to the upper crust of society. She does well in making an entrance into this world and, she is able to walk us into his past, especially since she was able to visit where he was raised. Nancy Palmer Christy clearly adored her husband and was supportive of his endeavors. Looking through her eyes, we also get to meet his first wife who seems like a very complicated character. Outliving him, Nancy learns a lot more about who he was as she goes through his paperwork while handling his estate. Stepping into the beginning and the end of his life, I am intrigued to see what the next two books will offer regarding Howard’s experiences in the middle parts.
The author, James Philip Head, truly has a gift for writing. His talent to write in vivid detail brings Howard Chandler Christy’s story to life. Having been able to interview people that knew Christy also creates a more intriguing story. Christy was an artist that went from rags to riches and he appeared to have no problems stepping into the upper echelons of society. His friends, many of whom were legends in their own right, appeared to be very loyal to him. He wasn’t just an artist, he was a legend. “An Affair with Beauty” is highly recommended reading for people who enjoy biographies, art history, and books about the history of the United States.
September 23, 2016
My original The Magic of Youth audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The Magic of Youth: An Affair with Beauty: The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy by James Philip Head was a difficult listen for me. The first hour provided over-the-top gushing compliments, flattery, and was more in line with the Yale vs. Duke basketball game from this year’s NCAA tournament. Twitter showed no one cares about the wealthy and privileged doing really well. With the basketball game, however, at least there was conflict., a winner and a loser. In the first part of this book, conflict was noticeably absent; it was a glorious homage to a painter and husband, with no flaws (until much later.)
The writing is beautiful, artistic, and lucid. But the author’s portrait is of a second model wife admiring her husband and thinking about the troubles of her neighbors from their Manhattan home overlooking New York’s Central Park, the story falls flat. The author works hard to separate what Nancy Palmer Christy said and what he imagined, but either way, conflict drives a story and I don’t think most readers would wait that long to get there.
While Howard Chandler Christy was a famous American painter, and the ”Christy Girl”, an icon, in 2016, I think this story falls short as a read for the general public. Eventually, the book gets to the inevitable issues, but a good editor should have recommended the author start in media res. The story is about a painter, so inevitably, using audio will be a challenge to begin with. I would have recommended the story be told backwards, from painting to painter, from brush to quill.
Still, there is a golden nostalgia to the book; sometimes the lexis seems erudite, sometimes sophomoric. But the author stays in form throughout the story, working to develop a picture of life we might ascribe to in fame and fortune. I look to The Great Gatsby as a way to take away everything from the protagonist while giving him everything. Unfortunately, this book gave everything too easily and waited too long to take it away. I know this compares a great fiction to a non-fiction, but I think it’s the organization of the book that keeps it out of the gallery.
A few might be interested in Howard Chandler Christy who are already fans, but I don’t think this base would expand much from this novel. If you like art, this book is a maybe listen, if you don’t, the book will confirm the stereotypes.
About the Narrator
Pamela Almand, the narrator, provides a warm reading, really saving the audiobook. Her pacing and speech provide a blanket to tuck each scene in. I would highly recommend her work with fellow narrator Scott Thomas in the novel In Movement There Is Peace: Stumbling 500 Miles Along the Way to the Spirit
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
The Magic of Youth: An Affair with Beauty: The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy by James Philip Head was a difficult listen for me. The first hour provided over-the-top gushing compliments, flattery, and was more in line with the Yale vs. Duke basketball game from this year’s NCAA tournament. Twitter showed no one cares about the wealthy and privileged doing really well. With the basketball game, however, at least there was conflict., a winner and a loser. In the first part of this book, conflict was noticeably absent; it was a glorious homage to a painter and husband, with no flaws (until much later.)
The writing is beautiful, artistic, and lucid. But the author’s portrait is of a second model wife admiring her husband and thinking about the troubles of her neighbors from their Manhattan home overlooking New York’s Central Park, the story falls flat. The author works hard to separate what Nancy Palmer Christy said and what he imagined, but either way, conflict drives a story and I don’t think most readers would wait that long to get there.
While Howard Chandler Christy was a famous American painter, and the ”Christy Girl”, an icon, in 2016, I think this story falls short as a read for the general public. Eventually, the book gets to the inevitable issues, but a good editor should have recommended the author start in media res. The story is about a painter, so inevitably, using audio will be a challenge to begin with. I would have recommended the story be told backwards, from painting to painter, from brush to quill.
Still, there is a golden nostalgia to the book; sometimes the lexis seems erudite, sometimes sophomoric. But the author stays in form throughout the story, working to develop a picture of life we might ascribe to in fame and fortune. I look to The Great Gatsby as a way to take away everything from the protagonist while giving him everything. Unfortunately, this book gave everything too easily and waited too long to take it away. I know this compares a great fiction to a non-fiction, but I think it’s the organization of the book that keeps it out of the gallery.
A few might be interested in Howard Chandler Christy who are already fans, but I don’t think this base would expand much from this novel. If you like art, this book is a maybe listen, if you don’t, the book will confirm the stereotypes.
About the Narrator
Pamela Almand, the narrator, provides a warm reading, really saving the audiobook. Her pacing and speech provide a blanket to tuck each scene in. I would highly recommend her work with fellow narrator Scott Thomas in the novel In Movement There Is Peace: Stumbling 500 Miles Along the Way to the Spirit
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
July 8, 2016
Throughout history, the fascinating stories of far too many well-known individuals often disappear into obscurity. Such might have been the case with American artist and illustrator, Howard Chandler Christy, who was the most famous painter of the Jazz Age. With The Magic of Youth, the first book of an interpretative biographical trilogy entitled An Affair with Beauty - The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy, James Philip Head brings Christy back to life. Mr. Head tells a rich story filled with true characters – including some very famous people – and many interesting places and events. Using a first-person viewpoint narrative, Mr. Head creates a true non-fiction novel, placing the reader into the high heels of Nancy Palmer, a young woman who rises from the depths of a Poughkeepsie cigar factory to become Christy’s top model – a “Christy Girl” and a New York socialite. She models for Cosmopolitan magazine and, we learn, eventually becomes one of the most beautiful women in America in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s.
The narrative is so well constructed and pitch perfect that one feels as if one is actually watching everything that had unfolded years ago. In addition, Mr. Head’s use of rapid, unattributed dialogue, in which the participants can be readily identified, is a brilliant style that lends itself to being more realistic and authentic than the usual “he said / she said” prose that one finds. I eagerly look forward to when the second book has been released . . . and then the third. If you enjoy Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, you will love this true story.
The narrative is so well constructed and pitch perfect that one feels as if one is actually watching everything that had unfolded years ago. In addition, Mr. Head’s use of rapid, unattributed dialogue, in which the participants can be readily identified, is a brilliant style that lends itself to being more realistic and authentic than the usual “he said / she said” prose that one finds. I eagerly look forward to when the second book has been released . . . and then the third. If you enjoy Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, you will love this true story.
October 26, 2016
I was surprised with how this memoir was put together and told. I normally don't read/listen to memoirs/biographies, but this was an compelling story. As an artist myself, I also learned to see many things through another artist's eyes. It's defenitely a book I'm going to listen to more than once!
The painter, Howard Chandler Christy's story is told by his wife Nancy, who had kept many diaries documenting her life with him. Howard Chandler Christy was obsessed with beauty and painting beautiful people. His special visual talent made him famous all over the world. The writing is compelling, beautiful and lyrical and my ears were swimming with imaginative vocabulary.
The story was narrated by Pamela Almand and she did an outstanding job. Her voice pulls you into the world of Christy and you're captivated from the first moment. It's not easy to narrate a non-fiction story, but Pamela nailed it.
*This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
The painter, Howard Chandler Christy's story is told by his wife Nancy, who had kept many diaries documenting her life with him. Howard Chandler Christy was obsessed with beauty and painting beautiful people. His special visual talent made him famous all over the world. The writing is compelling, beautiful and lyrical and my ears were swimming with imaginative vocabulary.
The story was narrated by Pamela Almand and she did an outstanding job. Her voice pulls you into the world of Christy and you're captivated from the first moment. It's not easy to narrate a non-fiction story, but Pamela nailed it.
*This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2016
Not my usual genre but very interesting story in a very rich and colorful time in history.
February 9, 2017
THE BEST BIOGRAPHY I HAVE EVER LISTENED TOO!!
Most biographies can be dry and boring. They are typically told in third person and chronologically. An Affair with Beauty - - The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy: The Magic of Youth is certainly not one of them. This is perhaps the best biography I have ever read.
The Magic of Youth is the first book in an epic trilogy of the life of Howard Chandler Christy, an illustrator-turned-portrait painter who influenced fashion, redefined how women were perceived, captured the pulse of the nation, and immortalized some of the greatest men and women in America and Europe during the first part of the 20th century. Christy’s life is told in first person through the eyes of his beautiful second wife, Nancy, a woman who, like himself, rose to fame and fortune from virtually nothing. Nancy is Howard’s muse, and longs to tell the story of how they met as she strolls through Central Park on a fall evening in 1969. She remembers the day in 1952 when he died and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death, which she covers up to preserve her rank in society. She laments her lonely days in seclusion after his star-studded funeral. Sitting in her apartment in solitude, she returns back to the spring of 1912, when she was first introduced to Mr. Christy, and he whisks her back to his mansion in Ohio. It is there that she learns of his childhood and his early days as a painter, but she also encounters his first wife, Maebelle, and discovers hints of his sordid past and of a court battle with his wife, revealing secrets and scandals that no doubt will be revealed in the coming two installments.
Head does an excellent job creating a non-fiction story that sounds like novel by interweaving facts with dialogue, a difficult task for even a seasoned writer let alone a debut author. The narrative is sumptuous and oftentimes poetic, allowing one to return back to an earlier, more refined time when elegance and beauty reigned. His use of symbolism and themes such as youth, beauty, illusions, truth, and remembrance provide universal aphorisms that will surely make this series a classic.
As the voice of Nancy Palmer Christy, Pam Almand, a 2016 Audie Award finalist, is superb. Her tone is warm and embracing. Her speech is properly modulated, and her character voices (of Howard, his parents, the caretaker, and others) are exceptional.
A fantastic book and audiobook for those who love the early 20th century, particularly those who have interests in art, illustration, fashion, history, and even romance. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Most biographies can be dry and boring. They are typically told in third person and chronologically. An Affair with Beauty - - The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy: The Magic of Youth is certainly not one of them. This is perhaps the best biography I have ever read.
The Magic of Youth is the first book in an epic trilogy of the life of Howard Chandler Christy, an illustrator-turned-portrait painter who influenced fashion, redefined how women were perceived, captured the pulse of the nation, and immortalized some of the greatest men and women in America and Europe during the first part of the 20th century. Christy’s life is told in first person through the eyes of his beautiful second wife, Nancy, a woman who, like himself, rose to fame and fortune from virtually nothing. Nancy is Howard’s muse, and longs to tell the story of how they met as she strolls through Central Park on a fall evening in 1969. She remembers the day in 1952 when he died and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death, which she covers up to preserve her rank in society. She laments her lonely days in seclusion after his star-studded funeral. Sitting in her apartment in solitude, she returns back to the spring of 1912, when she was first introduced to Mr. Christy, and he whisks her back to his mansion in Ohio. It is there that she learns of his childhood and his early days as a painter, but she also encounters his first wife, Maebelle, and discovers hints of his sordid past and of a court battle with his wife, revealing secrets and scandals that no doubt will be revealed in the coming two installments.
Head does an excellent job creating a non-fiction story that sounds like novel by interweaving facts with dialogue, a difficult task for even a seasoned writer let alone a debut author. The narrative is sumptuous and oftentimes poetic, allowing one to return back to an earlier, more refined time when elegance and beauty reigned. His use of symbolism and themes such as youth, beauty, illusions, truth, and remembrance provide universal aphorisms that will surely make this series a classic.
As the voice of Nancy Palmer Christy, Pam Almand, a 2016 Audie Award finalist, is superb. Her tone is warm and embracing. Her speech is properly modulated, and her character voices (of Howard, his parents, the caretaker, and others) are exceptional.
A fantastic book and audiobook for those who love the early 20th century, particularly those who have interests in art, illustration, fashion, history, and even romance. I can’t wait to read the next book.
April 4, 2017
I'm not sure which story I like best: the author discovering the "Gibson Girl" drawings in college, setting him on a course to learn more about the mysterious Howard Chandler Christy, or the book itself. The author writes from the perspective of Christy's second wife, Nancy, which in itself is just incredible, and it is a page-turner. Beautifully and artistically told, you are taken back in time through the pages of this book with all five senses. It's also Hollywood all the way; it has everything: sex, scandal, intrigue, with all the twists and turns you would expect in a great Hollywood novel. Make a steaming hot cup of tea and snuggle up to a big box of chocolates for this one!
July 15, 2016
An Affair with Beauty by James Philip Head is a nonfiction book about an artist and illustrator who redefined the American idol of beauty for women everywhere. Women flocked to him like a moth to a flame. The famous illustrator within these pages brings to life Howard Chandler Christy. His work is famous. He definitely was married and well liked. I found it interesting reliving his entire life through the words and retelling by James Philip Head. The theme hidden deep within this book is youth and beauty. Howard Chandler Christy always managed to portray that within his artwork. Reading this book, was like stepping back into history into the illustrator's shoes. James Philip Head has done an incredible job in bringing to life the artist's life's story. Fascinating journey indeed. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers.
August 8, 2016
Author Jim Head transports the reader back in time and into the lives of Howard Chandler Christy via his wife Nancy's narrative. Who could have known the magnitude of this man's life and all those he affected? Each chapter brings out more of the vast influence of Christy and the ongoing questions of beauty, immortality, and illusion. The photos and illustrations take us right back to Christy's life and the writing is captivating. I can't wait for the next episode! Intriguing questions and mysteries remain unanswered and the reader is left wanting more! I highly recommend this book!
July 25, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I grew up in Zanesville/Duncan Falls/Philo area and didn't know any of this history. I found it fascinating to realize all of this took place in my hometown. My mom and I had recently been to the Zanesville Art Museum and saw some of Christy's paintings and my mom was telling me that he was from there. That is the first I had ever heard of it. Then I got this book. Can't wait for the next two!
August 1, 2016
An Affair with Beauty--The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy: The Magic of Youth
A Fascinating True Rags-to-Riches Epic – You Have to Read This Amazing Book!!
While many painters have led impoverished lives of solitude and desperation, there are a select few who, possessing great talent and determination, achieve greatness, fame and fortune and leave an enduring legacy for future generations. Howard Chandler Christy (1872-1952), an American illustrator-turned-portrait-painter, was one such extraordinary person. By the 1920s, he rose to the level of a superstar and, during the late 1930s, was hailed as the most commercially successful artist in the United States having painted U.S. presidents, senators, congressmen, living legends, movie star, and great beauties – over 800 at least. Today, his works can be found throughout the United States, including the U.S. Capitol and White House.
Christy was part of a small group of highly talented artists known as the “Illustrators of Beauty,” a close-knit fraternity of men (and a few women) in New York City who dominated the American art scene from the turn of the 20th century until the mid-1950s. These artists were known for their elegant and romantic depictions of handsome men and glamorous women published in books, magazines and newspapers. Even today, one is reminded of the popularity of the “Gibson Girl” who influenced fashion and forever altered the way in which women were perceived during the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century. As a close friend of “Gibson Girl” creator Charles Dana Gibson, Christy took it a step further, creating “The Christy Girl,” an idealized youthful woman who possessed grace, intelligence, confidence, and most of all – beauty.
In The Magic of Youth, the first installment in a planned trilogy, titled An Affair with Beauty – The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy, Virginia lawyer and author James Philip Head deftly brings Christy back to life through the eyes of his wife, Nancy Palmer Christy, a former Cosmopolitan model and “Christy Girl.” Following a fascinating introduction that lays out the breath and importance of Christy’s life and artistic career, the story begins with the Prologue as an aging Nancy takes a stroll through New York’s Central Park during twilight sometime in the fall of 1969. She reflects back, recalling the day her husband died on March 3, 1952. She was not present at his passing, and the circumstances surrounding it become rather mysterious – a secret that Nancy possesses but does not disclose to the many newspaper reporters desperate to know the truth. She recounts his funeral and the many famous people who appeared there to pay him homage. She also describes the process by which she pored through his statements and records to wind up his estate. Then, the mood changes from somber to joyful as, in her recollection, she returns to 1912 when she and Christy first meet following a fortuitous introduction by illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. Without a second thought, she willingly agrees to travel to his mansion in Ohio overlooking the Muskingum River to become his new model. On a quest for immortality, Nancy quickly falls for the handsome, young talented painter and his adroit brushwork. Likewise, he appears to be smitten with his gorgeous new catch for he is searching for true beauty like a crusading knight thirsting for the Holy Grail.
Throughout the first book, we learn of Christy’s early years growing up as a farm boy along the banks of the Muskingum and his passionate love for art and beauty. We also get a taste of a few of the scandals in which Christy played a role and will, no doubt, be revealed in the coming books in the trilogy. Indeed, artists will be artists and Christy was no exception. He had models falling all over him, some even wrote to him passionate love letters. He battled a bitter child custody case with his first wife that made front page news throughout the United States; one newspaper headline stated that his studio was a “den of vice.” At the end of the book, a teaser mentions some of the scandals that will be disclosed in the next installment in the trilogy. What a book! And to think it is all a true story!
James Philip Head writes beautifully and majestically with prose that is often poetic, soaring to such heights that may remind one at times of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Evelyn Waugh with a little Edith Wharton mixed in. To be sure, one such haunting line from the book was “With true beauty, there is no illusion.” Throughout the narrative, Mr. Head cleverly uses frame narration and flashback while interweaving major themes such as youth and beauty; truth and illusion, all making for a fascinating and compelling read that is universally and timelessly appealing as it is applicable. His choice of a first person point of view narration for this interpretative biography is notably brilliant and makes for a more personal, if not intimate, view of the artist’s life rather than placing a primary focus on the artwork as many boorish contemporary biographies are want to do. Like Christy’s brushstrokes, the delivery of the writing in An Affair with Beauty is vivid, clear, and engaging.
This interpretative biography could be classified as a nonfiction novel because there are 62 photos (black and white and color) sprinkled throughout the book depicting Christy’s friends, family, and work (some based upon his life), and there are 31 pages of citations in the back detailing where quotes, scenes, or other pertinent information originated. In addition, in an Author’s Note, Mr. Head explains the valuable contributions of many people to his work, including Christy’s family members, former models, and friends, along with revered institutions and museums. Mr. Head’s many years of research is evident and carries with it the accuracy and precision that his profession no doubt demands. With that said, some might perceive the book to be more historical fiction because a great deal of the dialogue appears to be created to fit the scenes. But that is why An Affair with Beauty is so alluring – it is much like reading the script for an epic motion picture, and it has all the right ingredients for one, too. ATTENTION HOLLYWOOD! Although I suspect the British could do a much more authentic production of it than would Hollywood.
Highly recommend this book and look forward with great anticipation to reading the other installments in the trilogy. As an aside, the hardcopy book is handsome and well made. If you get the Kindle, you should also purchase a copy of the actual book.
Additionally, I suspect that traditional book critiques may find the genre of this fine work to not fit within their familiar formulaic academic standard. Some of them may have a difficult time understanding how innovative and pioneering this book’s genre and style really is. The innovation of this beautiful creation is truly exciting and fascinating! Lastly, now that I have finished reading the hard copy, I can’t wait to acquire the audio version of this fine book! As Mr. Head mentioned, it will be available on Amazon on August 12 this year. I look forward to re-living this captivating story again through the voice of the narrator, Nancy Palmer Christy.
This is a wonderful true American story that touches the heart and the mind – a MUST read!
A Fascinating True Rags-to-Riches Epic – You Have to Read This Amazing Book!!
While many painters have led impoverished lives of solitude and desperation, there are a select few who, possessing great talent and determination, achieve greatness, fame and fortune and leave an enduring legacy for future generations. Howard Chandler Christy (1872-1952), an American illustrator-turned-portrait-painter, was one such extraordinary person. By the 1920s, he rose to the level of a superstar and, during the late 1930s, was hailed as the most commercially successful artist in the United States having painted U.S. presidents, senators, congressmen, living legends, movie star, and great beauties – over 800 at least. Today, his works can be found throughout the United States, including the U.S. Capitol and White House.
Christy was part of a small group of highly talented artists known as the “Illustrators of Beauty,” a close-knit fraternity of men (and a few women) in New York City who dominated the American art scene from the turn of the 20th century until the mid-1950s. These artists were known for their elegant and romantic depictions of handsome men and glamorous women published in books, magazines and newspapers. Even today, one is reminded of the popularity of the “Gibson Girl” who influenced fashion and forever altered the way in which women were perceived during the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century. As a close friend of “Gibson Girl” creator Charles Dana Gibson, Christy took it a step further, creating “The Christy Girl,” an idealized youthful woman who possessed grace, intelligence, confidence, and most of all – beauty.
In The Magic of Youth, the first installment in a planned trilogy, titled An Affair with Beauty – The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy, Virginia lawyer and author James Philip Head deftly brings Christy back to life through the eyes of his wife, Nancy Palmer Christy, a former Cosmopolitan model and “Christy Girl.” Following a fascinating introduction that lays out the breath and importance of Christy’s life and artistic career, the story begins with the Prologue as an aging Nancy takes a stroll through New York’s Central Park during twilight sometime in the fall of 1969. She reflects back, recalling the day her husband died on March 3, 1952. She was not present at his passing, and the circumstances surrounding it become rather mysterious – a secret that Nancy possesses but does not disclose to the many newspaper reporters desperate to know the truth. She recounts his funeral and the many famous people who appeared there to pay him homage. She also describes the process by which she pored through his statements and records to wind up his estate. Then, the mood changes from somber to joyful as, in her recollection, she returns to 1912 when she and Christy first meet following a fortuitous introduction by illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. Without a second thought, she willingly agrees to travel to his mansion in Ohio overlooking the Muskingum River to become his new model. On a quest for immortality, Nancy quickly falls for the handsome, young talented painter and his adroit brushwork. Likewise, he appears to be smitten with his gorgeous new catch for he is searching for true beauty like a crusading knight thirsting for the Holy Grail.
Throughout the first book, we learn of Christy’s early years growing up as a farm boy along the banks of the Muskingum and his passionate love for art and beauty. We also get a taste of a few of the scandals in which Christy played a role and will, no doubt, be revealed in the coming books in the trilogy. Indeed, artists will be artists and Christy was no exception. He had models falling all over him, some even wrote to him passionate love letters. He battled a bitter child custody case with his first wife that made front page news throughout the United States; one newspaper headline stated that his studio was a “den of vice.” At the end of the book, a teaser mentions some of the scandals that will be disclosed in the next installment in the trilogy. What a book! And to think it is all a true story!
James Philip Head writes beautifully and majestically with prose that is often poetic, soaring to such heights that may remind one at times of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Evelyn Waugh with a little Edith Wharton mixed in. To be sure, one such haunting line from the book was “With true beauty, there is no illusion.” Throughout the narrative, Mr. Head cleverly uses frame narration and flashback while interweaving major themes such as youth and beauty; truth and illusion, all making for a fascinating and compelling read that is universally and timelessly appealing as it is applicable. His choice of a first person point of view narration for this interpretative biography is notably brilliant and makes for a more personal, if not intimate, view of the artist’s life rather than placing a primary focus on the artwork as many boorish contemporary biographies are want to do. Like Christy’s brushstrokes, the delivery of the writing in An Affair with Beauty is vivid, clear, and engaging.
This interpretative biography could be classified as a nonfiction novel because there are 62 photos (black and white and color) sprinkled throughout the book depicting Christy’s friends, family, and work (some based upon his life), and there are 31 pages of citations in the back detailing where quotes, scenes, or other pertinent information originated. In addition, in an Author’s Note, Mr. Head explains the valuable contributions of many people to his work, including Christy’s family members, former models, and friends, along with revered institutions and museums. Mr. Head’s many years of research is evident and carries with it the accuracy and precision that his profession no doubt demands. With that said, some might perceive the book to be more historical fiction because a great deal of the dialogue appears to be created to fit the scenes. But that is why An Affair with Beauty is so alluring – it is much like reading the script for an epic motion picture, and it has all the right ingredients for one, too. ATTENTION HOLLYWOOD! Although I suspect the British could do a much more authentic production of it than would Hollywood.
Highly recommend this book and look forward with great anticipation to reading the other installments in the trilogy. As an aside, the hardcopy book is handsome and well made. If you get the Kindle, you should also purchase a copy of the actual book.
Additionally, I suspect that traditional book critiques may find the genre of this fine work to not fit within their familiar formulaic academic standard. Some of them may have a difficult time understanding how innovative and pioneering this book’s genre and style really is. The innovation of this beautiful creation is truly exciting and fascinating! Lastly, now that I have finished reading the hard copy, I can’t wait to acquire the audio version of this fine book! As Mr. Head mentioned, it will be available on Amazon on August 12 this year. I look forward to re-living this captivating story again through the voice of the narrator, Nancy Palmer Christy.
This is a wonderful true American story that touches the heart and the mind – a MUST read!
June 21, 2017
This is a beautifully written book rich in detail. Not being your typical biography it is told through the eyes of Nancy, Howard Chandler Christy’s second wife. The meticulous research done by the author James P. Head is very apparent in his work. He is able to transport the reader back in time to Christy’s era bringing him to life. The book itself is gorgeous containing amazing photos, illustrations and artwork. A wonderful biography that I would suggest to anyone. Very well done!
February 14, 2019
A few bright spots but in general, plodding and dull.
Read
February 21, 2023My father's mother was painted by this artist!
August 9, 2016
Review written for and published by Portland Book Review on July 26th:
The artist Howard Chandler Christy, most well-known for creating the “Christy Girl,” was an artist famous in the early 1900s. While his name may be lesser known these days, his influence was felt far and wide, helping to frame the ideal image of female beauty for the time. James Philip Head’s book, An Affair with Beauty – The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy: The Magic of Youth is a fictionalized biography of Christy as seen through the eyes of his second wife, Nancy Mae Palmer. The book focuses on their initial meeting, the first few months of their acquaintance, and some of Christy’s early childhood memories.
There aren’t many books that focus on Christy’s life and so An Affair with Beauty is a welcome addition. However, its value to those searching for a true nonfiction study on the artist is minimal. While the author clearly did do research to frame the work, the fictionalized narrative structure makes one wonder exactly how much artistic license James Philip Head took when writing the book. In the beginning of the book there is a note that states “All quotations contained in this book originate from words either spoken or written by the person to whom they are ascribed,” and that “All italicized portions of the narrative are based upon words either spoken or written by the person to whom they are ascribed and are expressly devised to fit the context of the particular scene in which they are used.” These stylistic choices are easy to forget, and can be confusing to readers used to more traditional styles typically found in novels. While there is a notes section in the back of the book that includes some additional information and a list of the materials the author used in composing the book, there is a distinct lack of in-text footnote or endnote indicators, which readers of traditional biography formats may be expecting.
The book is largely useful as a curiosity for those interested in Christy’s life. There are plenty of images of his various illustrations and paintings within the book, which are a welcome addition, as well as photographs of Christy, his friends, and family. The narrative mostly told from Nancy’s point of view is engaging and will likely keep a more casual reader interested, although it often deviates into large tangents about Christy’s contemporaries, clients, and larger world events. An Affair with Beauty is the first in a planned trilogy to cover the life of the artist, so readers who expect this book to be a complete narrative will be somewhat disappointed. A great read for those with a casual interest, but mostly unhelpful for those with a more serious academic bend, An Affair with Beauty is an interesting hybrid that offers a glimpse into the life of a mostly forgotten American artist.
The artist Howard Chandler Christy, most well-known for creating the “Christy Girl,” was an artist famous in the early 1900s. While his name may be lesser known these days, his influence was felt far and wide, helping to frame the ideal image of female beauty for the time. James Philip Head’s book, An Affair with Beauty – The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy: The Magic of Youth is a fictionalized biography of Christy as seen through the eyes of his second wife, Nancy Mae Palmer. The book focuses on their initial meeting, the first few months of their acquaintance, and some of Christy’s early childhood memories.
There aren’t many books that focus on Christy’s life and so An Affair with Beauty is a welcome addition. However, its value to those searching for a true nonfiction study on the artist is minimal. While the author clearly did do research to frame the work, the fictionalized narrative structure makes one wonder exactly how much artistic license James Philip Head took when writing the book. In the beginning of the book there is a note that states “All quotations contained in this book originate from words either spoken or written by the person to whom they are ascribed,” and that “All italicized portions of the narrative are based upon words either spoken or written by the person to whom they are ascribed and are expressly devised to fit the context of the particular scene in which they are used.” These stylistic choices are easy to forget, and can be confusing to readers used to more traditional styles typically found in novels. While there is a notes section in the back of the book that includes some additional information and a list of the materials the author used in composing the book, there is a distinct lack of in-text footnote or endnote indicators, which readers of traditional biography formats may be expecting.
The book is largely useful as a curiosity for those interested in Christy’s life. There are plenty of images of his various illustrations and paintings within the book, which are a welcome addition, as well as photographs of Christy, his friends, and family. The narrative mostly told from Nancy’s point of view is engaging and will likely keep a more casual reader interested, although it often deviates into large tangents about Christy’s contemporaries, clients, and larger world events. An Affair with Beauty is the first in a planned trilogy to cover the life of the artist, so readers who expect this book to be a complete narrative will be somewhat disappointed. A great read for those with a casual interest, but mostly unhelpful for those with a more serious academic bend, An Affair with Beauty is an interesting hybrid that offers a glimpse into the life of a mostly forgotten American artist.
August 24, 2016
I’ve just finished the fourth chapter of “An Affair with Beauty: The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy – The Magic of Youth” by James Philip Head, and I’ll have to say I am officially hooked on this first installment of the trilogy! The story reads like a screenplay as narrated by the artist’s widow and former model Nancy Palmer Christy, starting with her recollections at the time of his death in 1952 and going back in time to the point when the two first met through fellow illustrator Charles Dana Gibson and Nancy’s magical sojourn to Christy’s studio mansion, The Barracks in the rustic hills of Zanesville, Ohio. Not to be a spoiler, but I was especially intrigued by the tie-in of Nancy as a model in Christy’s illustrations for Gouverneur Morris’ novel “The Penalty” which later became a film starring Lon Chaney in 1920. Also, Christy’s telling of the true story of neighboring town Duncan Falls was a real hoot! Anyone with an interest in early 20th century artists, the Belle Epoque to the Jazz Age, or even Golden Age Hollywood should not miss out on this stellar work, as I’m sure it will also become a great film itself one day.
November 13, 2016
Fantastic epic, true story of the most famous painter of the Jazz Age. This is definitely a must read, especially for those who enjoy American history and success stories set in a glamorous era. If you like Downton Abbey, the Great Gatsby or Brideshead Revisited, you are sure to love this gem.
I loved how the author wrote this biography as he makes the characters and narrative come alive and employs the language and style from the first part of the 20th century. This is a great opportunity for Hollywood or the Brits to capture the beauty of that era in a series or movie. Be sure to check out the author's website (anaffairwithbeauty.com) as it has some additional photos, videos, and other information, including a discussion sheet for book clubs.
I loved how the author wrote this biography as he makes the characters and narrative come alive and employs the language and style from the first part of the 20th century. This is a great opportunity for Hollywood or the Brits to capture the beauty of that era in a series or movie. Be sure to check out the author's website (anaffairwithbeauty.com) as it has some additional photos, videos, and other information, including a discussion sheet for book clubs.
April 9, 2017
My non-fiction review for audiobookreviewer.com The Magic of Youth: An Affair with Beauty: The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy by James Philip Head was a difficult listen for me. The first hour provided over-the-top gushing compliments, flattery, and was more in line with the Yale vs. Duke basketball game from this year’s NCAA tournament. Twitter showed no one cares about the wealthy and privileged doing really well. With the basketball game, however, at least there was conflict., a winner and a loser. In the first part of this book, conflict was noticeably absent; it was a glorious homage to a painter and husband, with no flaws (until much later.)
The writing is beautiful, artistic, and lucid. But the author’s portrait is of a second model wife admiring her husband and thinking about the troubles of her neighbors from their Manhattan home overlooking New York’s Central Park, the story falls flat. The author works hard to separate what Nancy Palmer Christy said and what he imagined, but either way, conflict drives a story and I don’t think most readers would wait that long to get there.
While Howard Chandler Christy was a famous American painter, and the ”Christy Girl”, an icon, in 2016, I think this story falls short as a read for the general public. Eventually, the book gets to the inevitable issues, but a good editor should have recommended the author start in media res. The story is about a painter, so inevitably, using audio will be a challenge to begin with. I would have recommended the story be told backwards, from painting to painter, from brush to quill.
Still, there is a golden nostalgia to the book; sometimes the lexis seems erudite, sometimes sophomoric. But the author stays in form throughout the story, working to develop a picture of life we might ascribe to in fame and fortune. I look to The Great Gatsby as a way to take away everything from the protagonist while giving him everything. Unfortunately, this book gave everything too easily and waited too long to take it away. I know this compares a great fiction to a non-fiction, but I think it’s the organization of the book that keeps it out of the gallery.
A few might be interested in Howard Chandler Christy who are already fans, but I don’t think this base would expand much from this novel. If you like art, this book is a maybe listen, if you don’t, the book will confirm the stereotypes.
About the Narrator
Pamela Almand, the narrator, provides a warm reading, really saving the audiobook. Her pacing and speech provide a blanket to tuck each scene in. I would highly recommend her work with fellow narrator Scott Thomas in the novel In Movement There Is Peace: Stumbling 500 Miles Along the Way to the Spirit
The writing is beautiful, artistic, and lucid. But the author’s portrait is of a second model wife admiring her husband and thinking about the troubles of her neighbors from their Manhattan home overlooking New York’s Central Park, the story falls flat. The author works hard to separate what Nancy Palmer Christy said and what he imagined, but either way, conflict drives a story and I don’t think most readers would wait that long to get there.
While Howard Chandler Christy was a famous American painter, and the ”Christy Girl”, an icon, in 2016, I think this story falls short as a read for the general public. Eventually, the book gets to the inevitable issues, but a good editor should have recommended the author start in media res. The story is about a painter, so inevitably, using audio will be a challenge to begin with. I would have recommended the story be told backwards, from painting to painter, from brush to quill.
Still, there is a golden nostalgia to the book; sometimes the lexis seems erudite, sometimes sophomoric. But the author stays in form throughout the story, working to develop a picture of life we might ascribe to in fame and fortune. I look to The Great Gatsby as a way to take away everything from the protagonist while giving him everything. Unfortunately, this book gave everything too easily and waited too long to take it away. I know this compares a great fiction to a non-fiction, but I think it’s the organization of the book that keeps it out of the gallery.
A few might be interested in Howard Chandler Christy who are already fans, but I don’t think this base would expand much from this novel. If you like art, this book is a maybe listen, if you don’t, the book will confirm the stereotypes.
About the Narrator
Pamela Almand, the narrator, provides a warm reading, really saving the audiobook. Her pacing and speech provide a blanket to tuck each scene in. I would highly recommend her work with fellow narrator Scott Thomas in the novel In Movement There Is Peace: Stumbling 500 Miles Along the Way to the Spirit
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