Book features photographs of Russell

Last updated 4/15/2014 at Noon

No one stands higher in the pantheon of artists who have portrayed the American West than Charles M. Russell. As Ian Tyson wrote in his song "The Gift," - "God put the magic in young Charlie's hand..."

That magic has compelled collectors to lay down significant money to own his original work, ever since his heyday in the teens and '20s. The fervor of collectors remains undiminished to this day.

Sisters author Larry Len Peterson has added something unique to the collection of literary tributes to Russell: A high-quality coffee-table book that focuses on photographs of the Cowboy Artist.

"I just love photographs," said Peterson, "and this thing just came into my head. I like to do things that are not out there that I'd like to sit and look at."

The 328 pages of photographs and text, published by the University of Oklahoma Press, will reward hours of perusal and many repeat visits.

As the book's press proclaims: "This biography makes use of hundreds of images of Russell, many never before published, to explore the role of photography in shaping the artist's public image and the making and selling of his art. More than that, the book shows how the Cowboy Artist personified what he portrayed."

"This goes from his childhood to his Hollywood years," Peterson said. "There's a picture of Charlie and John Ford and Will James together."

Peterson has produced previous books on Russell, on Western photographer L.A. Huffman, and on renowned sporting-life artist Phillip R. Goodwin. He also published the novel "Halfway to Midnight."

"Charles M. Russell: Photographing the Legend" is available at Old West Collectibles in Sisters: 183 E. Hood Ave., Ste. 3.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.