The history of the united states has been shaped not only by it’s most celebrated statesman, inventors and cultural figures but also by individuals whose contributions have enriched the nation’s political, artistic, and intellectual life. Among these figures was Francis Bicknell Carpenter, a distinguished portrait painter whose work provides an invaluable visual record of nineteenth- century America.

Born in rural Homer, N.Y. in 1830, Carpenter rose to prominence as one of the leading portraitists of his time. During his career, he painted presidents, cabinet members, legislators, military leaders, and other notable figures of the era. His most celebrated work, First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln, remains one of the most iconic artist representations pf the American Civil War and is displayed in the United States Capitol.

Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Carpenter left an extensive diary that chronicled his professional activities and encounters with many of the political and cultural leaders of his time. Brushes with History presents Carpenter’s diary in its entirety, accompanied by a biographical profile that places his experiences within the context of the broad currents of nineteenth- century American history.

Presidential author and historian Larry Cook, has once again mastered the power of the pen. Larry has given a deep look into an artist’s life that has gone widely unknown for many years. Francis Carpenter’s works are legendary— from his portraits of several presidents to his painting of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation… reading about the role that my 3rd Great Grandfather, James A. Garfield, played in acquiring and hanging the painting in the capitol was special… I highly recommend this book without equivocation. - James A. Garfield |||