San Francisco Lithographer: African American Artist Grafton Tyler Brown (The Charles M. Russell Center Series on Art and Photography of the American West)

Historian Bob Chandler tells a great tale of persistence, talent and success in this book about a unique California pioneer and artist. The author artfully singles out the various elements that allowed Grafton's career to soar despite many hurdles, and offers a great depiction of the period and place. Bravo!

Excellent, in depth study of California's first black fine artist.

Why is the author calling Mr. Brown “African American” when he was predominately European in ancestry and (like nearly all Americans) European-American in culture as well? The man made it clear that he considered himself white – and rightfully so. Calling him “African American” and not good enough to be white (which is what “passing” means) is morally similar to calling a Jew a non-Aryan.

I sent one book back because it was damaged. The second book was also bent on the edge. So I did not review the damaged book.

Great book! Very informative, interesting and well written