Bound for Glory: Celebrating the Gift of African American Spirituals through Expressive Calligraphy

by Timothy R. Botts, Patricia Raybon

Bound for Glory is a powerful gift book inspired by a collection of calligraphic paintings by world-renowned calligrapher Timothy R. Botts. The book features 52 paintings that are visual interpretations―in words and pictures―of African American spiritual songs. These amazing songs are an important part of our American heritage, and they continue to give us hope in the face of life’s many challenges. The book also includes 52 reflective readings from Botts and African-American writer and speaker Patricia Raybon. It also includes lyrics from the spirituals along with inspirational Scripture verses from the New Living Translation.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Botts and Raybon team up to explore spirituals through calligraphy (Botts) and poetry (Raybon). This project was originally a gallery display, and that feel appears in the creative book design.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bound for Glory" is a wonderfully illustrated book of African American spirituals that will have you tapping your toes to the musical memories. Timothy Botts pulls you into the lyrics with his calligraphy, breathing new life into the music. Patricia Raybon then adds more to the song with her interpretive words. As you go through each section, it isn't only the song that captures the imagination, but the meaning behind it. Whether by the drawing or the words, readers everywhere will be impressed with the power of the message these spirituals offer. There are four sections enabling the reader to enjoy the flow of the words and the calligraphy. Some of my favorites are "Them Dry Bones," "Wade in the Water," "I Shall not be Moved," "The Gospel Trains' a-Comin," and "Oh Happy Day." What will yours be?

I have really been enjoying this book. Whether enjoying one of these spirituals the first time through or successive visits, I have felt drawn into the pictures. Then, reading the words has made everything so alive. It is a book I will enjoy sharing with others and think it is a great book to have in your home, on a coffee table perhaps. It will help create many wonderful conversations. I found a lot of wonderful memories in the songs and found myself singing along, which made me stop and really pay attention to the details. This book will also make a wonderful addition to a Sunday School class or Bible study group. I recommend it to everyone. I received my review copy from Tyndale Books and thank them so much for the opportunity!

[Sten Bolander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift from my sister, I read as a daily devotional. For each of the 52 spirituals, the lyrics were included, as well as a reflective reading by award winning author Patricia Raybon and visual interpretation by gifted graphic designer Timothy Botts (who also offered some reflective readings as well - multi talented!). When I was not familiar with the spiritual, or wanted to add to my devotional time, I searched on YouTube for a musical setting of the spiritual. My appreciation for the rich gift of music that African Americans have given the church and the whole world has surely increased.

[Gwynfor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review at The Beauty of Eclecticism.

[Jim]

this looks to be a fantastic book. i've three or four books by him and get his calendars each year.

[Nancy Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee table book to continually look at to relax