African-American Artists and Artisans

by Mary E. Lyons

Book Overview

Born into slavery in 1837, Harriet was both a gifted seamstress and a deeply religious person. Her legacy, two quilts depicting Bible stories and folklore, grew out of those strengths. Using Powers's own words, as well as historical accounts of the period, Lyons has pieced together this artist's experiences into an absorbing, detailed narrative.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684195763
• ISBN13: 9780684195766
• Release Date: September 1993
• Publisher: Atheneum Books
• Length: 41 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.5" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

Very enjoyable insight into the Afro-American story-quilt

Wonderful book! Great insight into 2 story-quilts made by Harriet Powers and lots of photos. Enjoyed! I’d love to see them at the museums where they now are displayed.

Lost History Recovered

Mary Lyons has added a gem to African-American history by giving us the forgotten story of Harriet Powers and reminds us of the importance of both artisanship and storytelling for a culture. She has written it in such a way that children can appreciate the hardships endured by those who have gone before, and makes us all want to go to the Smithsonian or the Museum of Fine Arts Boston to see Powers' quilts!

Writing History with Needle and Thread

Although a small book, its' historical content is indeed large and informative. This book has been rated at an appropiate reading level for 9-12, however I enjoy it as an adult. Impoverished and denied the written word, Harriet Powers needs to be added to our ever-growing list of "Sheroes". A former slave, she was able to recreate Biblical events in cloth, without ever having seen many of the creatures she dipicted;ie. the whale, in Jonah and the Whale, or the animals on the Ark. One has only to compare her applique work to that of the Dahomey story cloths, to see a definite link to our stolen history. I referrenced this book ,along with others, as a critical part of a term paper of the same name as my above title. I reccomend this book to anyone interested in history, as well as quilts. I thank Mary E. Lyons for giving us this prized possesion.