Describes the life of the famous wildlife artist, known for his groundbreaking images of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, and includes insights on his scientifically accurate restorations and excerpts from his personal papers.

This book opens with a foreword by special effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen (The 7th Voyage of Sinbad) and a biographical essay on Knight by William Stout (The New Dinosaurs). The autobiographical pieces feature illustrations by Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales). To round out the volume, it closes with memories from his granddaughter Rhoda Knight Kalt and appreciations from prominent names in the arts and sciences, from Ray Bradbury to Ian Tattersall. Though Knight once said "No one interests me less than Charles Knight," find out why artists such as Frank Frazetta, Mark Hallett, Doug Henderson, Joe Kubert, Al Williamson, and Bernie Wrightson have said that no one interests them more

A new edition of a classic first book about the life of the past

An “exciting and informative” account of the Civil War battle that opened the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign, with illustrations included (Lone Star Book Review). Charles Knight’s Valley Thunder is the first full-length account in decades to examine the combat at New Market on May 15, 1864 that opened the pivotal Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who set in motion the wide-ranging operation to subjugate the South in 1864, intended to attack on multiple fronts so the Confederacy could no longer “take advantage of interior lines.” A key to success in the Eastern Theater was control of the Shenandoah Valley, an agriculturally abundant region that helped feed Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Grant tasked Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, a German immigrant with a mixed fighting record, and a motley collection of units numbering some 10,000 men to clear the Valley and threaten Lee’s left flank. Opposing Sigel was Maj. Gen. (and former US Vice President) John C. Breckinridge, who assembled a scratch command to repulse the Federals. Included in his 4,500-man army were Virginia Military Institute cadets under the direction of Lt. Col. Scott Ship, who’d marched eighty miles in four days to fight Sigel. When the armies faced off at New Market, Breckinridge told the cadets, “Gentlemen, I trust I will not need your services today; but if I do, I know you will do your duty.” The sharp fighting seesawed back and forth during a drenching rainstorm, and wasn’t concluded until the cadets were inserted into the battle line to repulse a Federal attack and launch one of their own. The Union forces were driven from the Valley, but would return, reinforced and under new leadership, within a month. Before being repulsed, they would march over the field at New Market and capture Staunton, burn VMI in Lexington (partly in retaliation for the cadets’ participation at New Market), and very nearly capture Lynchburg. Operations in the Valley on a much larger scale that summer would permanently sweep the Confederates from the “Bread Basket of the Confederacy.” Valley Thunder is based on years of primary research and a firsthand appreciation of the battlefield terrain. Knight’s objective approach includes a detailed examination of the complex prelude leading up to the battle, and his entertaining prose introduces soldiers, civilians, and politicians who found themselves swept up in one of the war’s most gripping engagements.

Single title not sold individually. Sold as part of larger package only.

From Barbara Kerley, author of the Caldecott Honor Book The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, comes an enchanting true story that marks her return to science and natural history! An NPR Best Book of the YearA Booklist Notable BookA Junior Library Guild Selection* "A powerful story of following one's dreams and passions, despite life's challenges." --School Library Journal, starred reviewRhoda loves spending time with Toppy. He is not only her beloved grandpa, but also the world-famous wildlife artist Charles R. Knight! Every outing with Toppy -- from visits to the American Museum of Natural History and the Central Park Zoo to tea parties at The Plaza Hotel -- is filled with fun and adventure.Lovers of animals, art, natural history, and New York City will relish this vivacious and winsomely depicted true story. Presented through Rhoda's eyes, it celebrates the enchantment of scientific inquiry, a tender grandparent-grandchild bond, and the vision of a pioneering artist who opened our eyes to the wonders of the ancient world.Included in this book are dozens of Charles R. Knight's original paintings and drawings, interspersed with Matte Stephens's winsome illustrations.