The Great Republic Blog Page 2

From Corsica to Saint Helena- the Eccentric Life of Napoleon Bonaparte

May 31, 2023

A famed military figure, Napoleon Bonaparte is arguably one of the most famous Frenchmen to ever emerge out of the 19^th century. His legacy endures in the form of endless literature that meticulously analyzes his entire life from start to finish, particularly his military campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars.

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Illustrating Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn"

May 17, 2023

The drawings Edward Kemble produced for Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were his first book illustrations, and the ones he is still best known for. A young yet prodigious illustrator for magazines and newspapers like Harper's Bazaar and New York Graphic, Kemble’s cartoon work in Life caught the attention of Mark Twain. Mark Twain personally requested Kemble for Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, telling his publisher “That is the man I want to try.” There are approximately 175 illustrations in Huck Finn, for which Kemble was paid the large sum of $2,000.00. Read more about his artistic process and collaboration with Mark Twain.

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Designing the Stars and Stripes

May 08, 2023

Most historians credit Francis Hopkinson as the designer of the first American flag. Read more about the story behind the star pattern.

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J.R.R. Tolkien: One of the World’s Greatest Fantasy Authors

April 03, 2023

After the success of The Hobbit, Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings over the span of thirteen years, between 1939 and 1952. Its final length was an astonishing 1,192 pages! In this weeks blog, read more about the history of J.R.R. Tolkien and his real life experiences and influences that brought his imagined world, Middle Earth, to life.

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The First Frigate of the United States Navy

March 27, 2023

On March 27, 1794, the United States Congress authorized construction of the original six frigates of the United States Navy. On May 10, 1797, the U.S.S. United States, a wooden hulled, three-masted frigate, was the first of the six ships to be launched. Several years later, during the War of 1812, this same ship crucial in establishing early American naval dominance. Read more on our blog!

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1858 Mitchell’s Map of the United States - A Snapshot in History

March 17, 2023

Mitchell became one of the most prominent American map publishers of the mid-19th century and his visual record of the early Unites States gives us an incredible lens into the rapid growth of our country during this time. This engraved and hand-colored 1858 map of the United States is a wonderful example of Westward expansion and the worldwide powerhouse that America was becoming.

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Yellowstone: The World's First National Park

February 28, 2023

In honor of the 151st anniversary of Yellowstone becoming the United States first National Park, we take a deeper dive into the history of Yellowstone and how it captivated not only U.S. travelers, but travelers from around the world. Learn more about how artists and surveyors such a Thomas Moran helped capture Yellowstone in all its glory and play a major role in the signing of the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act.

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Douglas Adams: British Sporting Artist

February 22, 2023

Douglas Adams (1853-1920) was a London based landscape painter. He exhibited in the Royal Academy between 1880 and 1894, showed at the Society of British Artists, the Grosvenor Gallery, and the New Gallery and shared a Primrose Hill studio with other artists. Adams specialized as a landscape and wildfowl painter and often painted sporting scenes. Many of his paintings celebrated the field sports of hunting, shooting, and fishing, set against stunning Highland landscapes and painted in the Victorian tradition.

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Mapping James Bond

February 22, 2023

The colorful and intriguing Ian Fleming Thriller Map charts all of James Bond’s adventures during the popular book series, across four continents and many countries. With the help of a large key at the bottom, each numbered spot on the map is organized by book titles. Specific addresses are indicated, when possible, followed by details on the drinks and games Bond enjoyed, the lovers he took, the guns he used, cars he drove, and the evil villain plots he thwarted. For those looking to track James Bond’s adventures and exploits as Ian Fleming originally wrote them, this is a must buy. Read more on our blog!

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Understanding Inscribed Books and Their Importance in Book Collecting

February 07, 2023

Read about how inscriptions in books bring great value, and help solve the puzzle of provenance in many cases.

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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her

January 30, 2023

Valentine's Day gifting for that special person in your life is easier than you think! We've rounded up nine great gift ideas for her. We've selected products made with intention, care, and quality materials, from some of our favorite American brands and independent makers.

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Edward S. Curtis: Preserving Indigenous History

January 30, 2023

Edward S. Curtis created one of the most iconic visual records of the Indigenous peoples in the history of the photographic medium. His work shifted the way Indigenous people were viewed across the nation and have become an invaluable source for cultural and linguistic revivification. Learn more about him and his work in this week's blog.

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