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Photographer ...
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Books on History Presents |
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Photographer . . Under
Fire The Story of George S. Cook |
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George S. Cook, photographer, balanced love of excitement and adventure with his ability to capture beauty in the faces of all ages. His story is as interesting as are his photographs which remain.
Could George S. Cook really be
...a Connecticut Yankee?
...ex-partner of famed Mathew Brady, parting ways before the War between the States?
...known as one of the first to produce quality daguerreotypes in this country?
...famous in his own name for being first to capture on film an exploding shell?
...the photographer who was ordered to retreat because his camera was drawing fire?
...so talented with a camera that he could "find beauty in any face"?
Marrying a great grandson of George Cook, these were the comments I heard modestly mentioned when family history was discussed. I really was not impressed until, in New Orleans, quite by chance, I found a book referring to George Cook as one of "the greatest photographers of all". Other research confirmed that indeed most books about the Civil War contain some photographs taken by his cameras.
Photographer .. Under Fire was written by request, my request. Photographer .. Under Fire belongs to me because I asked that it be written. It also belongs to you, you who read it and discover how excitement, adventure and beauty were captured by George S. Cook, photo-journalist, historian and pioneer in the art of photography.
Photographer..Under Fire, The Story of George S. Cook (1819 - 1902) is the story of courage: "Courage" of a Connecticut orphan to leave his adopted Newark home at the age of 14 and take 3 years to work his way down the Mississippi to New Orleans; "Courage" to learn the developing trade of photography and break with ex-partner Mathew Brady to become honored on his own; "Courage" to row a boat out and capture the first picture of an exploding shell as it exploded over Fort Sumter; "Courage" as both he and a son raised their children as widowed "single parents". George S. Cook, HISTORIAN and PHOTOGRAPHER, recorded the human side and terror of the Civil War. Today Daguerrotypes and unfaded portraits by George S. Cook prove his claim he could "find beauty in any face."
- Karin K. Ramsay,
appreciative in-law
Reviews of
Photographer...Under Fire
"The life of George Smith Cook, as recounted in Photographer ... Under Fire is a fascinating trip through American photography with one of its earliest and perhaps most well-known ‘forgotten’ practitioners... Ramsay’s book is an important addition to the published narrative of Richmond Virginia’s rich photographic history...."
- James M Caiella, Associate Photo Director of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
"George S. Cook was one of the most famous photographers in the Confederacy: he also was a Connecticut Yankee, a former partner of Mathew Brady, and the great grandfather of the author of this interesting book .. Ten thousand of Cook’s plates reside now in Virginia’s Valentine Museum. Many others were lost or destroyed. .. portraits included offer a fascinating look at military life during the war. … Rare views of S.C. volunteer companies are also a treat."
- H. R., Military Images
"Thank you very much for filling my order for your book on George S. Cook. The book has arrived! The book is being read! The book will be enjoyed! And, the book will be brought to the attention of a number of my collecting colleagues who undoubtedly will find it of interest as well! .. Hope I have not come on too strong, but your book is very neat, and it would be a pleasure to see it readily available to the Civil War collector market."
- Bruce Kusrow, Herndon, Virginia
Back to BOOK LIST | |
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Hard Cover. 192 pages,
endnotes, bibliography, index
plus Cook's photographs,
some never before published.
Published by
Historical Resources Press.
$34.95
INTERNET SPECIAL!
$29.90
+ $5.05 shipping / handling
$34.95
Jack C. Ramsay's Bio
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By invitation
Dr. Jack Ramsay, Jr. PhD
is a
2006 Contributor
Dictionary of Virginia Biography
published by
Commonwealth of Virginia,
Library of Virginia
Article, Volume 3:
Cook, George Smith
(23 Feb 1819 - 27 Nov 1902) |
"The description details the life of George S. Cook in a complete and unabridged format. The reader will be inspired to delve into this history of the Civil War, as the description brings life to the obscure George S. Cook. .. The appendixes provide a myriad of information. Check out the recipes."
- Publishers Marketing Association Judge
"This fascinating work .. should surely help promote greater recognition of George S. Cook as a vanguard photo-journalist and pioneer in the art of photography. The text is comprehensive and thoroughly researched, yet flows with a graceful, highly redeemable style. Readers also benefit from the inclusion of many representative photos demonstrating Cook's mastery of his craft. Of special note is Cook's short diary .. a most intriguing primary source. Readers of diverse interest should make this book a welcomed addition to their library."
- The Civil War Courier, Buffalo, New York.
Some people you will find in
Photographer ..Under Fire include: George LaGrange Cook and Heustis Cook, D. H. Anderson, Mathew Brady, Jefferson Davis, Alexander Gardner, Robert E. Lee, Abraham Lincoln, and Elizabeth Van Lew.
Photographer Cook
Who Is Geo. S. Cook?
Geo. S. Cook - His Studios
Geo. Cook made Submarine Photos?
The Cook Mysteries
Photographer .. Under Fire
The Story of George S. Cook
by Jack C. Ramsay, Jr.
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