Each beautifully illustrated book chronicles the artist's early life and traces his or her expeditions with excerpts from sketchbooks, diary entries, letters, newspaper articles, and more. Readers learn what inspired the artist's journey, how he or she worked on the road, how the art or photos were displayed to the public, whether the artist was recognized during his or her lifetime, and how the art influenced or changed the public's understanding of America.

--Each book includes approximately 50 full-color illustrations, plus a detailed two-page map spread.
--Timelines blend biographical information, advances/influences in art or photography, and pertinent regional and national events.
--Sidebars explore techniques, and processes of the artist/photographer; provide brief biographies of the artists, writers, and politicians of the period; and include information on the legacy of the artist/photographer.
--Each book includes a glossary, Further Research section with Internet resources, a bibliography, and an index.

Review(s): This is an attractive book with an engaging text that relates the remarkable story of an early American artist who is best remembered for his lifelike depictions of Native Americans. The book incorporates outstanding full-color reproductions of his sketches and paintings, with explanations of their context. Interesting primary-source quotes from letters, notes, and articles from period newspapers and magazines flesh out Catlin's unique life and works. ... Overall, this is a worthwhile purchase. School Library Journal review for 'George Catlin: Painter of Indian Life'

These books do an excellent job of presenting American history through the eyes of artists who took it upon themselves to document some of our country's most triumphant and devastating moments. The copiously illustrated texts provide concise yet sufficient biographies of the individuals and their times and delineate the scope of their artistic endeavors. The writing in each book is clear and comprehensible, highlighting both the artist's triumphs and trials. (continued)

These titles will serve both as fine introductions to the art forms of documentary painting and photography and as well-researched visual histories of America's growing pains. They could be of great assistance in preparations for History Day programs, either as research tools or to inspire students to create their own records of current events. School Library Journal review for 'Dorothea Lange: Photographer of the People,' 'Mathew Brady: Photographer of Our Nation,' 'John Trumbull: Painter of the Revolutionary War,' and 'Lewis Hine: Photographer of Americans at Work'