Clear Here To Purchase Woodstock History and Hearsay

Author: Anita M. Smith

ISBN: 0-9679268-4-X

Several years ago I reviewed It happened in Woodstock which was originally published in 1959 and authored by a Philadelphia debutant, artist, herbalist and author Anita M. Smith. As I mentioned in my review it was a book not only remarkable for its good look, but also its amazing chronicling of the history of Woodstock from A.D. 1614 until 1971. The 1959 book was Woodstock’s first official history and documented the run-up of events that culminated in the historic three day “Woodstock Music and Art Fair” that was celebrated in mid-August of 1969.  

This second edition, Woodstock History and Hearsay published by Woodstock Arts includes an abundance of new material including a comprehensive list of endnotes, a bibliography and an expanded index. It is the recipient of the 2007 Independent Publisher Award and a finalist Foreward 2007 Book of the Year. 

We have to thank the tireless efforts of Weston Blelock and his sister Julia for giving us the opportunity to experience through the writings of Anita M. Smith the history, art and lifestyle of Woodstock’s inhabitants from its early settlement until the 1960s.

Moreover, with Woodstock History and Hearsay we can now fully appreciate the philosophy and art of such 20th century artists as George Bellow, Charles Rosen, Konrad Cramer, Henry Mattson, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Alexander Archipenko, Arnold Blanch, Doris Lee, Henry Lee McFee, Alfeo Faggi and others.

It should be pointed out that Weston and Julia Blelock’s mother, Nelle Thornton Jones Blelock was a close friend of Anita Smith and she had inherited from the latter all of her holdings, including artworks and written materials. When their mother died, Smith’s estate passed onto them and they resolved to honor her and their mother through a program of restoration-including various buildings and gardens as well as the collection of intellectual property. Consequently, they had founded their company, Woodstock Arts which focus was “to embrace and celebrate a mindset and way of living that he been handed down to them from Anita.” As a result, one of the first major projects was the development and publication of the second edition of Smith’s 1959 Woodstock History and Hearsay.

As mentioned in the Preface, this second edition augments the original set of eighteen illustrations, always making sure that the images would be a reflection of Smith’s own visual palate and sensibilities.

Divided into fifteen chapters and packed with historical detail, the book explores early settlement, frontier days, glass making in the nineteenth century which was an impetus for Woodstock’s growth, Catskill farmers rebelling against feudalism, a comprehensive chapter pertaining to the famous Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony, the first Woodstock Festival, Rosie Magee who was a mother to a generation of artists, George Bellows and other leading artists, the Art Students League, Ohayo Mountain, upper Hamlets, Woodstock and World War II, and various local personalities.

It is quite obvious that Smith has done a tidy bit of research making the scenes of Woodstock, her inhabitants and neighbours from the surrounding areas come alive. And as an important added feature is the relevant Integration of 170 black and white photos highlighting works of art of several local personalities and landmarks and the book’s 196 images include 7 maps and two portfolios with 19 reproductions. 

Woodstock History and Hearsay will appeal to booklovers who relish a fascinating read reflecting, as Julia Blelock mentions in the Preface, “Woodstock-known internationally because of its art heritage and the 1969 festival-represents a special blend of imagination, creativity and commitment to an alternative way of life.”

The above review was contributed by: The Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com, Norm Goldman, B.A. LL.L, Retired Title Attorney: Norm is also a travel writer and together with his artist wife, Lily, the couple meld Norm's words with Lily's art. To check out their travel site click on Sketchandtravel.com   Click here to view Norm’s Reviews & Interviews.

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