The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 20, May 15, 2005, Article 11

BUFFALO NICKEL BOOK A SURPRISING TREASURE

Dick Johnson writes: "I would like to echo editor Wayne Homren’s
glowing praise of Taylor Morrison’s book, "The Buffalo Nickel."
Even if you do not have young children to give or read this book
to, get it for yourself.

The author is an extremely gifted painter AND author. What’s
better, he is a diligent researcher. He had contacted me early in
his project and we met in New York City early in his research
activities. I had directed him to the National Sculpture Society
(for data on Fraser) and the American Numismatic Society
(for data on the nickel). Later he went to Washington, DC, for
further digging at the Smithsonian and the U.S. Mint. He is that
thorough! He gets his facts straight and his resulting text and
illustrations – which he paints himself – are meticulously
accurate based on all his research!

He boils down the story -- which he writes himself -- and
chooses illustrations that are dramatic snapshots of the events
that best reveal the story. This book has only 32 pages, but has
48 illustrations and more facts on how the nickel was created
than any numismatic book. And believe me, his facts are accurate.
It is not based on the tales you hear at the local coin club or
coin show.

If you are thinking "I wouldn’t put a juvenile book in my library!"
don’t shortchange yourself. This book is worth ten times its
retail price. In fact, I donated a double signed copy -- with the
author’s pen & ink drawing of a buffalo above his autograph --
for Kolbe’s auction benefiting the ANS and some lucky buyer
paid $86 for that lot.

Here’s what I penned on the same page above my signature:
"It was a delight working with Taylor Morrison on this book
project. He is a talented author / artist! Best of all, he got the
technology correct for James Earle Fraser’s modeling, the
die making, and the striking of the Buffalo Nickel."

The painting of the U.S. Mint building in Philadelphia (the
one at 16th & Spring Garden Street), page 24, was based
on a drawing I furnished Taylor. In return he sent me an
enlarged painting of that same drawing. That’s a keeper
and adorns my library wall.

Booklovers may also find Taylor Morrison’s previous book
– "Civil War Artist" -- of interest. It dramatically illustrates
how printers’ plates were made of wood before
photoengraving and metal plates were used. Get both books.
Enjoy!"

[I had already searched for other titles by Taylor Morrison,
and they are already on my want list for my kids. I would
also like to thank the American Numismatic Association,
for stocking the book in their shop. I discovered it on my
visit to ANA headquarters last year, and might not have
been aware of its existence otherwise. -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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