N.C. Wyeth: A Biography

by David Michaelis

N.C. Wyeth's wondrous paintings of The Last of the Mohicans, Robinson Crusoe, and Treasure Island have given visual form to these stories for generations of readers. Wyeth's extraordinary pictures still carry all the power they had in their heyday. And communal, millennial-bound nostalgia for the first half of the 20th century gives the paintings, if possible, an even more sentimental glow. This meticulous, encompassing study of the tempestuous, difficult, brilliant illustrator also delves into the entire clan of famous Wyeth artists, including Andrew (who was offered a bribe to delay his marriage), and Peter Hurd (who married Andrew's sister Henriette then escaped with her to New Mexico). David Michaelis has done an extraordinary amount of research, and the book should mesmerize Wyeth fans. But he seems to doubt his own ability to make this dramatic material come alive, for he resorts to false suspense--using a baby's death and the suggestion of foul play on page 1 to hook the reader, but nearly 200 pages later allows that there's not really any evidence for his conjectures. And he liberally employs italics, giving the text an insistent tone that is at times intrusive. Nonetheless, Michaelis adroitly chronicles Wyeth's complicated, fraught relationship with his family. And he is especially perceptive in his analysis of N.C.'s stormy ties to his mentor, Howard Pyle. The artist's genteel inability to talk money, even during the Depression; his devotion to his neurotic mother; and the magical world of Chadd's Ford, where he watchfully, jealously raised his children, are all beautifully described. This is a valuable, multifaceted look at a passionate, difficult subject. In the end, Wyeth emerges, warts and all, as a complex individual, whose inner life was thoroughly entwined with every aspect of his art. --Peggy Moorman

Genres: Biography, Art, Nonfiction, History, Art History, American History, Biography Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

David Michaelis grew up in Cambridge, Mass. and Washington, D. C., was educated at Concord Academy and Princeton University, and is the author of the national bestsellers N. C. WYETH: A Biography (Alfred A. Knopf, 1998; available from Harper Perennial), which won the 1999 Ambassador Book Award for Biography, given by the English-Speaking Union of the United States, and SCHULZ AND PEANUTS: A Biography (Harper, 2007; Harper Perennial), a National Book Critics Circle Best Recommended Book, among other honors. He lives in New York City and Tenants Harbor, Maine, with his wife the documentary film producer Nancy Steiner, and their family.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book because I knew Andrew Wyeth was homeschooled and studied art in his father's studio. N. C. Wyeth, so I heard, was a larger than life character who was completely involved with his children, so I decided to read this huge tome on his life (and much of the lives of many others in the family). What a great decision on my part - I was completely enthralled with N.C. He was by no means perfect, but I believe he was a genius, who, unfortunately, was at war with himself all his life, thinking that his chosen profession, of illustrator, was beneath his ideal profession of a painter of fine art, which he continued to strive to be.
Reading about the Wyeth family - a family with many secrets, but were nonetheless incredibly involved with each other's lives, was fascinating, and so well written it flowed like a novel. I can't recommend this book highly enough; it is one of the best biographies I have ever read.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A year ago, I went to the Brandywine River Museum of Art to learn more about Andrew Wyeth, and instead I discovered his father. In many ways it was a revelation to me. I had never realized that early 20th century illustrations started with full-sized paintings. Glorious paintings. So I was very pleased to discover this book; it brought me even closer to N.C. Wyeth and his world. I think I was a little too young to have appreciated his enormous output for Scribner’s Illustrated Classics, and at the same time his art feels familiar to me. Newell Convers Wyeth certainly fit the bill for the tortured, anguished artist. The poor man spent his whole life chasing the ultimate, “real” art that eluded him. No matter how famous, how sought after he became, N.C. always felt that his craft was not good enough, not sublime enough to qualify as art. At the same time, he was constantly frustrated by a wish to reclaim the comfort, the serenity of his childhood home—which probably never existed. He even dragged his family back and forth between Delaware and Massachusetts in an effort to recapture something he felt he had lost. His overbearing mother couldn’t let go of him, and their decades-long correspondence betrayed an unhealthy (at least to an outsider) co-dependence that seems to have affected his daily life. He relied heavily upon her approval, and when she withheld it, he was devastated. Nonetheless, he was eventually able to assert himself and take a wife, and the family they raised produced many talented children; Andrew was the youngest, and of course the most famous. N.C. proved to be a doting father, and he personally took on the artistic education of his children. What an example he must have shown!

The author must have buried himself in mountains of correspondence to piece together this biography. He did a good job depicting all sides of this complicated man, leaving me wanting more, even after 400 plus pages. I found this book very readable, and I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet this fascinating man.

[Nicholas Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intimate and thorough biography of the 20th Century’s greatest illustrator. It details Wyeth’s constant disavowal of his own work as he tried again and again to move beyond illustration and gain a foothold in the larger art world as a serious painter. Although Wyeth was his own harshest critic, Michaelis never fails to promote Wyeth’s oeuvre as the work of a superior craftsman who made indelible contributions to the worlds of art, illustration, and publishing. Michaelis is also explicit about the advances that Wyeth made over his predecessors, helping to explain why his work continues to resonate today.

Thanks to Wyeth’s prolific correspondence, the reader shares practically every thought, every feeling that he had over the span of a half-century, tracking his professional legacy as it progressed from one overshadowing bookend to another: from being “student of Howard Pyle’s” to being “the father to Andrew Wyeth” (fans of either will also find this biography rewarding). But Wyeth’s mother is the figure who looms largest in his life, the key to understanding his personality, his family life, his values, his quirks; Michaelis expertly traces the influence of her and Wyeth’s codependence on one another through not only their own lives, but the lives everyone around them.

The book includes a decent number of color plates, and the selection presents a good retrospective of his work. Fans of his “Wyeth Editions” – his illustrated works of classic literature – will finish this biography hungry to track down and devour as many volumes as they can get their hands on.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

N.C. Wyeth referred to his daughter Carolyn as “The Big Noise.” The same could be said of him. Magnanimous and self-absorbed, gregarious and insular, he dominated every person he met with his gargantuan talent and emotional neediness. This biography—one of the best I’ve read—offers a meticulous look at his family of origin, his relationship with Howard Pyle, and the painting dynasty he spawned, each colored by undiagnosed mental illness, untimely death, and nostalgia—a feeling that “memory and the past were more real and viable than the present.” The tight psychological weave of the book is impressive; the author carefully traces N.C.’s symbiotic relationship with his mother back to her own mother’s nostalgia for her home in Switzerland. By the time Andrew, the son, is establishing himself as a painter, we can understand how his secretive nature must have helped to offset the strain of having a father who was both mentor and intruder. Another strength is the author’s analysis of N.C.’s illustrative techniques. His description of the allure of the Treasure Island paintings recalls Hitchcock: “We are free to look in on terrible happenings, unnoticed by the objects of our gaze. We are given the erotic power of omnipotent invisibility.” The book never tells us why N.C. turned to drawing—what created the compulsion and to whom we could trace that gene. But it fully explains how the “wondrous strange” tradition that is Wyeth came to be.

[Michael Canoeist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book about a remarkable man. fuller review TK

[Andrew Amor · Rating 4 out of 5]

N.C. Wyeth——-As a boy reading my paperback copy of Treasure Island I drilled my imagination into the 1911 illustrations of N.C. Wyeth the colorful pirates and those of that hero-boy. So last month I watched a YouTube video of an old Smithsonian documentary of NC which motivated me to buy his biography. Tonight after reading 430 pages I RE-watched that bio-pic Youtube with so much greater appreciation ——I had a deeper knowledge that even brought tears to my eyes recalling what I’d just read so much so that I realized now more closely that I DO know that man that illustrator —-who yearned to be an artist- which despite his self-doubts had truly become an artist-painter.

Lesson learned: may I (and you also likewise be) read read read and fly beyond what a mere film can so briefly convey on cellulose or digital video. Books today can and do still yield a bountiful crop of wisdom and insight when one but tills the soil between the literary book covers to eventually discover a deeper joy and connection than any 30-60-90 minute show can ever muster. Films (YouTube) may momentarily entertain the eye and ear but books in hand continue to delight the soul!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. Read this book with Google Search Images open -- I found myself frequently looking up images not only by N.C. Wyeth, but also by Howard Pyle, Henriette Wyeth, Peter Hurd, and of course, Andrew Wyeth.

Interesting: "Comparing Henriette with Andy, N.C had predicted as recently as 1927 that while Henriette would become the family's great painter, Andy, then ten, would 'probably end up as a farmer.'" - pg 316

Wyeth would state publically that "the unfolding of all the younger members of the family is a glorious episode of my life." Privately, though, he acknowledged that "as a group the family 'have got something and that there is a real promise of sound achievement -- of MAJOR achievement in the offing,'" but worried that he had not yet arrived, as he still hoped to paint a "big work" and prove himself "as a painter of something other than illustrations." - pg 354

[Joe Stinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, powerful book. Never read a biography this good. Great illustrations of course. Also story of his family.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Took me a while to finish - I checked it out from the library a million times through school. It was almost exhausting to read about NC's relationship with his mother that he kept up through written correspondence. The author did a pretty good job keeping my interest by talking about art related things. The ending was pretty sad, (if you don't know his story I won't spoil it) but worth the wait to see how NC's relationship developed with his children and their families. Against the majority I am a bigger NC than Andrew or Jamie fan.

[Katie H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is a page-turner. NC Wyeth wasn't fully respected as an artist but as a mere "illustrator". I'm no expert but I saw his original illustrations for Last of the Mohicans, Robin Hood, The Boys' King Arthur, Kidnapped and many others and they were radiantly beautiful--luminous. N.C. oversaw a dynasty of Wyeth painters, he lived through untimely death, a particularly wrenching affair and a life lived in a moody New England landscape. This book has it all. It's a terrific, lengthy read. I was haunted, depressed and satiated when I closed the back cover.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite illustrators, whom drew illustrations of Treasure Island and other classics. Tells of his childhood years to his tragic death at an old age. If you want to know more, read this book!

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could come back and pick a family besides my own to belong, it would be the wyeths

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fascinating--N.C. Wyeth's longing to feel he was a true artist and not just an illustrator. And what is art in the early industrial United States? And what a family! I had no idea...

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a compelling read. Fascinating family story.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very in depth look at the Wyeth family and N.C. in particular. Probably more than you want to know about them, but interesting none the less.

The author has done his homework.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent well written biography of N.C. Wyeth, the great American classics illustrator; father of iconic painter Andrew Wyeth, and grandfather of painter Jamie Wyeth. N.C. never gave up the idea that illustration was inferior to regular painting (characteristic attitude of the time), and endeavored all his life to produce a painting that he and the critics valued. The influence of his mother impacts all his female relationships, not always in a good way. The second half of the book which expands on his family members is fascinating. His tragic death was painful to read about. I have had this book setting on my bookshelf for years and finally got to it. Well worth the wait.

[Julia Hendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough, readable biography that captures the contradictions at the heart of N. C. Wyeth’s life. Wyeth became famous for his vivid illustrations for magazines and books, most notably Treasure Island and other classic tales. But he despised being an illustrator. He wanted to be a true artist (as he defined the term). Nothing he did ever satisfied him. His family was central to him and yet his loving domination left his children constantly seeking his approval to the detriment of their own careers and families.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you ever wanted to know about NC Wyeth.

Since I grew up two valleys over from the Brandywine, I knew about the Wyeths from a very early age. NC Wyeth's untimely death cast a pall over Southeastern Pennsylvania for many years. Now I am a retiree, and I'm now a member of the Brandywine Conservancy, which means I have get unlimited visits not only to the Museum but also the the other properties they own, including NC's studio. Last week, as I was finishing this biography, I felt a very strong pull to visit NC's studio again (my third).

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies I’ve read... I’m a longtime lover of the Wyeth family’s art, having spent a lot of time in the area in Maine dear to them, but was interested in learning more about their lives, not just their art. NC was such a talented genius; and such a huge figure within his family.

This book was meticulously researched and very well written. Highly recommend

[Caroline Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best biography I have read to date. The level of detail the author goes into about relationships within and outside of the Wyeth family is impeccable, and it evokes strong empathy for NC Wyeth, Carol and their clan.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nicely done! Would make a great limited tv series! An interesting story, family, and wealth of creativity to explore. Plus, those pictures! Those paintings! Those illustrations! Everyone should see them.

[Steve Courson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, all encompassing biography of a great painter/illustrator that includes the good, bad and ugly. Well written and researched. If you are interested in the Wyeth and Pyle family of artists, this is a must read.

[James M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved his artwork and illustrations, so I was very interested to find out about N.C. ,s life. There was much for me to learn about the man, especially about the family man. I also found myself paging through the classics he illustrated. A very well written biography.

[Lori Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a long time. I didn't want it to end.

[Susan McGilvray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and captivating - made me want to go back to the Brandywine River Museum!

[Susan Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a patriarch and what a family! An engrossing read and yet am still unsure of the differentiation between an illustrator and an artist, a quandary that plagued N.C. Wyeth.

[J. Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history into the life and career of one of the most famous illustrators in the USA with lots of local and cultural sidelines.

[Charlie Eckhaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family background for about 35 pages, finally some indication of his artistic bent.
Howard Pyle's miraculous entrance into and enormous influence on Wyeth's life/career handled with feeling.
Disappointment sets in with development of Pyle relationship.
Surfeit of information on family matters and not enough behind W's growth as an artist.
Surprising personality change as attitude towards his art and career sinks in and hardens.
Miraculous turnaround as Wyeth accepts the commission for and delivers his Treasure Island masterwork. Finally some analysis of specific pieces and the project tieing in and thereby justifying all the attention to his family situations.
Pontificating again on the painting/picture duality while he works on Kidnapped after the enormous success of Treasure Island.
Was unaware of his status generating offers to sign up for WWI service
Really engaging and astonishingly realistic self-portrait.
Background on teaching and fatherhood, both positive.
Children grew up drawing and achieved their measure of success. Home sounds like a loving stronghold for artists.
Exciting breakthrough and achievements for son Andrew at the expense of coverage of NC's later works (more plates would have been welcome.)
Health problems creep in and the colony fragments. Had to laugh at Betsy James' and nonperceptively arrogant what-has-he-done-lately remark!
New object of affection/comfort late in life.
Overwhelmed with sadness after reading the concluding chapters.
Staggered by the effort that went into this work, going by the notes and acknowledgements.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow start but ultimately engrossing. The author was trying too hard on the first few pages to start pointing out all the family links, coincidences and patterns. But that is the Wyeth family: engrossing and riddled with repeating patterns of thought, behavior and talent.

Though the focus of the book is patriarch Newell Convers Wyeth, it is a multi-generational saga where nothing is ever what it seems. N.C.'s illustrations are American classics just as his son's paintings are. They are also rife with personal symbolism and the working through of conflicted relationships and so have a very different meaning to the artist and the viewer.

This book a big rambling tome with the last 100+ pages are famiy tree, notes and index.

But I have to say that Richard Merryman has written the definitive biography of Andrew Wyeth (as well as a version for young people). And having read both of them as well, Merryman is the man to read. Or perhaps, having read Merryman, there were few surprises or insights left to discover which makes Michaelis' book seem like the lesser work.

[Carol Merrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love NC Wyeths work. I feel fortunate that the Portland Museum of Art holds a good collection. The story of his life is interesting. His mother was a huge influence on him and she was a tortured soul. I enjoyed this book and was saddened by the unfortunate event that resulted in his death.