READ THIS: Long May She Wave A Graphic History of the American Flag by Kit Hinrichs and Delphine Hirasuna
You know we are super patriotic at Whom You Know, and in celebrating Thanksgiving, one of the things Peachy Deegan did was read "Long May She Wave." A pictorial and written history of our flag, this book is a historical work of art that deserves a place on the coffee table of every American from Connecticut to California, and even on the coffee tables of the expats who have their feet up in the French Riviera life F. Scott FItzgerald did; he of course was named for his relation Francis Scott Key.
From the living flag postcards to the collectible items of memorabilia, you will be inspired to don your red, white and blue and fire up your collection keeping. The optical illusion on page 48 is quite cool; does it work for you? From Campbell's soup to Barbie, a particular favorite of ours, American products have embraced patriotism and capitalism stands strongly on marketing! And selling something with a patriotic theme is clearly a winner. From Uncle Sam to Lady Liberty, timeless icons of America continue to embrace the public, though admittedly we wish we saw it more often today. More inventive ways to see and portray the American flag are presented in this work than we've ever seen before and we love it! It's testament to the true creative nature that is inherent in America today and in years past, and it will certainly hold true in the future. Finally, a chronological history of the flag itself is presented in the closing pages. We were only surprised that we did not see more athletic references but we were happy to see the hockey jersey of the New York Americans included.
This is our first experience with Ten Speed press, and we must say we're impressed. The quality of this book is right up there with the best of the best, and we look forward to working with them more. Even the director of the American Folk Art Museum wrote the foreword, and you know the people there are our friends check out our coverage of an event of theirs earlier this year:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2010/05/nightlight-happy-birthday-henry-darger.html
If you are proud to be American, you should read this book. Picture Peachy dressed as Uncle Sam: We want YOU, to read Long May She Wave!
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From one of the world's leading graphic designers comes a stunning tribute to America's most enduring icon-the Stars and Stripes.The Revolutionary Congress resolved in 1777 that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 white stars in a blue field representing a new constellation." Since that time, the American flag has been raised high in wartime triumph and peacetime celebration; burned in fervent protest; sewn lovingly onto quilts, caps, pillows, and bags; appropriated by the commercial sphere to sell goods as varied as cigars, and designer clothing, and rock-and-roll albums; and faithfully honored every 4th of July to celebrate America's independence. This collection of more than 3,000 Stars and Stripes artifacts ranges from Civil War-era banners and Native American braided moccasins to an early 20th-century "friendship" kimono and original flag art by several of the world's leading designers.
In its deluxe format with over 500 illustrations, LONG MAY SHE WAVE gives wide berth to the flag in all its manifestations, and the result is a stunning visual history of America'¬?s most treasured symbol.Full-color throughout, with over 500 illustrations in a deluxe 11 x 14-inch volume-LONG MAY SHE WAVE is the perfect gift for folk-art appreciators, history buffs, and collectors.Features the 3,000-piece exhibit that was displayed at the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the San Jose Museum of Art in 2000. From toy soldiers to collectable spoons, cigar blankets to historic flags—the breadth of the collection is unrivaled.
