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Assassination!: The Brick Chronicle of Attempts on the Lives of Twelve US Presidents
Creator of the bestselling The Brick Bible: A New Spin on the Old Testament and The Brick Bible: The New Testament, author Brendan Powell Smith offers a new take on American history. For more than a decade, Smith has honed his masterful work using LEGO(R) to re-create scenes from the Bible. Now, he turns his attention to unforgettable U.S. presidential assassinations, both fatal and failed. Rediscover some of the most profound attacks that have occurred throughout U.S. history involving the notorious assassinations on Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy. But did you also know that Richard Paul Pavlick sought to assassinate President Kennedy in 1960, though at the last minute he suddenly changed his mind? Or, that an unknown assailant desperately tried to murder Lincoln just eight months before his fatal night at Ford's Theatre?
In addition, Smith reveals failed assassination attempts against such presidents as Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and most recently, the 2011 attempt against President Barack Obama. With more than four-hundred highly detailed illustrations, Smith captivates the authenticity of these assassinations (re-creating famous photographs and oral history) while simultaneously demonstrating a creative new medium. Whether a historian or a LEGO(R) enthusiast, readers of all ages will surely be enthralled with Brendan Powell Smith's latest brick creation!
In addition, Smith reveals failed assassination attempts against such presidents as Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and most recently, the 2011 attempt against President Barack Obama. With more than four-hundred highly detailed illustrations, Smith captivates the authenticity of these assassinations (re-creating famous photographs and oral history) while simultaneously demonstrating a creative new medium. Whether a historian or a LEGO(R) enthusiast, readers of all ages will surely be enthralled with Brendan Powell Smith's latest brick creation!
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2013
About the author
Brendan Powell Smith
41 books19 followersElbe Spurling (born September 7, 1973) is an American transgender artist, author, and moralist best known for The Brick Bible book series (published under her birth name Brendan Powell Smith)—an ongoing project to illustrate the entire Bible in LEGO building blocks.
Although not religious, Spurling has studied the Bible, ancient Christianity and Judaism, and is motivated by the belief that all people, whether believers or not, are better off knowing the content of the scriptures. Her unique storytelling and illustrating style has been noted for its meticulous attention to detail, and its ability to walk a fine line between humor and poignancy.
She also creates art pop music under the artist name ɘlbe and released her debut LP "gɘtting thɘre" in fall 2016.
—from the author's website
Although not religious, Spurling has studied the Bible, ancient Christianity and Judaism, and is motivated by the belief that all people, whether believers or not, are better off knowing the content of the scriptures. Her unique storytelling and illustrating style has been noted for its meticulous attention to detail, and its ability to walk a fine line between humor and poignancy.
She also creates art pop music under the artist name ɘlbe and released her debut LP "gɘtting thɘre" in fall 2016.
—from the author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 16, 2021
One of the weirdest concepts I've heard of, but ultimately very informative. It lays out well-researched backstories for the assassins (or attempted assassins), their presidents, and the events and conveys them in an engaging and accessible way. I'll definitely be checking out more of these brick books!
June 21, 2015
I should preface this review by saying I'm fascinated by the assassination stories of US presidents. It started with my favorite musical, Assassins, and now I can't get enough. Add this to my growing fascination with LEGO thanks to my husband, and I think it was only natural that I would love this book.
I appreciated that this not only chronicled the successful assassination attempts but also those that presidents survived. I was also impressed by how much information was fit into this book, which I mistakenly assumed would be a glossing over of the stories in an effort to emphasize the illustrations. Sure, it's not a complex history, but I learned new things reading the book.
The illustrations were most impressive. I loved seeing how much detail went into different elements. You can see on the cover a scene from JFK's story, and every picture was treated with as much care as this, I felt. Overall, I was extremely pleased and would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in this aspect of US history.
I appreciated that this not only chronicled the successful assassination attempts but also those that presidents survived. I was also impressed by how much information was fit into this book, which I mistakenly assumed would be a glossing over of the stories in an effort to emphasize the illustrations. Sure, it's not a complex history, but I learned new things reading the book.
The illustrations were most impressive. I loved seeing how much detail went into different elements. You can see on the cover a scene from JFK's story, and every picture was treated with as much care as this, I felt. Overall, I was extremely pleased and would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in this aspect of US history.
September 9, 2020
A surprisingly informative and information dense book. Excellent story telling through Lego illustrations. I learned something new with each chapter.
I read it to my young boys. Content was a little mature for their age, but, hey, they've gotta learn it somewhere.
I read it to my young boys. Content was a little mature for their age, but, hey, they've gotta learn it somewhere.
March 26, 2014
Smith presents assassinations (both attempts and those that were successful) of the U.S. Presidents in a manner that is weird, compelling, and enlightening. The Lego scenes are incredibly detailed, and the characters fairly similar looking to their human counterparts. The photographs are perfect, with just the right blur in the background combined with a masterful composition. The information presented is heavy, naturally, and chock-full of details, yet it can be read in a couple of hours.
I learned lots, and it made me realize how much more I may would have learned in the history classes of my youth if the material had only been presented in a more engaging fashion like this. There is some humor, which helps lend some brevity to the dark subject matter. At least, I found some things funny, such as how the pregnant Lego woman is depicted, and Michelle Obama's bathing suit.
Still, it's grim, dark, and explores some issues that are not aimed at the usual Lego consumer. Basically, it's not a book for young kids. My 12 year old son read it, and said it was neat. He's quite anti-violence, so I suspect his opinion comes mostly from the presentation and the detail put into the Lego photos.
An impressive book that is unlike any other you'll read. Unless you read another of Brendan Powell Smith's Brick books...
I learned lots, and it made me realize how much more I may would have learned in the history classes of my youth if the material had only been presented in a more engaging fashion like this. There is some humor, which helps lend some brevity to the dark subject matter. At least, I found some things funny, such as how the pregnant Lego woman is depicted, and Michelle Obama's bathing suit.
Still, it's grim, dark, and explores some issues that are not aimed at the usual Lego consumer. Basically, it's not a book for young kids. My 12 year old son read it, and said it was neat. He's quite anti-violence, so I suspect his opinion comes mostly from the presentation and the detail put into the Lego photos.
An impressive book that is unlike any other you'll read. Unless you read another of Brendan Powell Smith's Brick books...
October 31, 2016
This is a book about presidential assassinations and attempted assassinations written in Lego. Even after reading a biography on every president, most of this information is new. As I look back, most of the biographies I read about presidents never said much about their assassins or would-be assassins. A fun quick read. I recommend.
December 16, 2023
This reminds me of the illustrated and comic book versions of classics when I was a kid. From what I know, the facts are researched and sound. Brendan Powell Smith then uses Legos to create step by step scenes of presidential assassinations and attempted assassinations.
October 1, 2020
History + LEGOs = Fun Fun Fun till your Daddy takes your LEGOs away.
March 11, 2024
This has to be one of the weirdest things I've ever read... I love it.
November 16, 2013
ASSASSINATION! THE BRICK CHRONICLE OF ATTEMPTS ON THE LIVES OF TWELVE US PRESIDENTS by Brendan Powell Smith is an entertaining History. What this author can do with Lego's is amazing! Not only is this title entertaining but educational as well. A uniquely powerful way for youngsters to learn history using Lego's as graphics. I learned stuff I didn't know, as my grandchildren say " I am over the hill,but not too old".....I would encourage you to check out "Assassination!" I don't think you will regret your choice of reading material. If you wish to learn more on the history of the twelve US presidents who either had attempted assassinations or where assassinated, than this is the book for you. Youngsters will enjoy this telling of history as well as older children. Who doesn't enjoy Lego's,right? A very enterprising way to teach history. Please be aware some parents may have issues with the content,due to some of the graphic and gory information. But afterall, this is history! A joy to read! Well written, once again using beautiful graphics. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: Mild*Some graphic and gory information*
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: Mild*Some graphic and gory information*
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
January 8, 2016
2, maybe 2.5 stars? I dunno. Didn't thrill me. Perhaps I'm jaded, but I wasn't as wowed by the lego scenes as they tell me I should be. The presidents are custom minifigs (according to info on copyright page), which made me wonder how many other minifigs were as well. Not that it matters in the grand scheme of things, but the expressions on the minifigs was one of the things I most noticed as I read it (before I saw the custom bit). Either way, he must have a pretty extensive collection in his basement. :-)
The information seems thorough, although there were a few too many digressions into prurient interests to be able to recommend this to lego-obsessed pre-teens.
The information seems thorough, although there were a few too many digressions into prurient interests to be able to recommend this to lego-obsessed pre-teens.
January 23, 2014
I actually learned stuff from this book that I was completely unaware of (which just goes to show how much history is taught in the schools I attended). A collection of twelve assassination attempts (and actual assassinations) on United States presidents, all done in LEGOs, with each LEGO character immediately identifiable within the storyline. A lot of detail went into arranging these photo shoots, building the sets, and setting the scenes, and it really shows in the photographs.
I picked up this book because, hey, LEGOs! and am really pleased I did.
I picked up this book because, hey, LEGOs! and am really pleased I did.
January 4, 2016
"Assassination!: The Brick Chronicle of Attempts on the Lives of Twelve US Presidents" by Brendan Powell Smith is a book, in LEGO form that tells through words and LEGO pictures attempt to assassinate 12 of our US Presidents. Due to some foul language and some *ahem* 'words' that children should not be reading about, I believe this is not a book for children to read. I only got 67 pages into it before I had to stop because it kept getting worse and worse. This may have been a book written for adult LEGO fans.
2015-Summer-Reading-Review
2015-Summer-Reading-Review
January 14, 2014
This book, which details many, many different scenes connected with assassination attempts on the Presidents, has to be seen to be believed. The only flaw, and I admit it is a worrying one, is why the attempt on President Truman's life in 1950 is not mentioned. Also, it is definitely not for kids (prostitution, free love societies, and even genital self-mutilation are mentioned...and there's a scene of soldiers urinating while a disgruntled Private Lee Harvey Oswald cleans a latrine).
January 23, 2014
Another amazing book by Brendan Powell Smith which depicts historical events in unique LEGO displays. THIS IS NOT A CHILDREN'S BOOK! It contains 272 full color pages depicting 12 assassination attempts of US Presidents. The author/artist has a website www.thebrickbible.com that features his previous works. His LEGO bible series was created for young readers, but doesn't have quite the imagination and detail as this book does.
September 18, 2015
Now that I have seen Lego versions of Booth, Oswald, Manson and Hinckley my life complete. Oh no, wait! Smith missed Sirhan Sirhan and honestly, doesn't John Lennon deserve more than a page? I guess my life isn't complete after all.
A Lego assassination fails compilation or the Lego serial killer stories would make perfect follow-up projects. Just right for sharing with the kids as you try to build a life-size stormtrooper out of Legos.
A Lego assassination fails compilation or the Lego serial killer stories would make perfect follow-up projects. Just right for sharing with the kids as you try to build a life-size stormtrooper out of Legos.
March 12, 2014
Very good. The details are all here. Without the LEGO pictures it makes a very interesting read. WITH the LOGOs, it is just that much more fascinating. Smith did an awesome job with the pictorial detail. But there should be a warning to parents, there are parts of this book that are rather for adult eyes. Teens would fine it very cool.
November 3, 2014
What a great way to instill an interest of history in kids. Legos and interesting stories of presidents. While the stories are great historical content this book can also be used a teaching tool for creative ideas of legos and for photography. My son has been reading it... Okay, looking at the pictures but then he gets interested he does reads the content! Everything is Awesome...
January 2, 2015
This is a fantastically whimsical book that is more than it seems on the cover. Not only is it a great set of historic representations recreated in Lego blocks, it is a set of nifty little history lessons.
A definite must-read for anyone who is a fan of history, fun factoids, or Lego blocks!
A definite must-read for anyone who is a fan of history, fun factoids, or Lego blocks!
March 2, 2015
I bought this off of a discount rack because it looked so bizarre. While I knew a lot about the presidential deaths by assassination, I was pleased to read about the lesser known attempts and their bizarre circumstances. The brilliantly staged LEGO photos are just a bonus (and hilarious).
July 5, 2015
Besides the obvious, it's done with Legos, I actually learned stuff. Never knew there was a plot to kill Richard Nixon, days before the Watergate scandal, involving crashing a hijacked airplane into The White House. Bizarreness.
January 15, 2014
Surprisingly cute history of assasination attempts on US presidents illustrated with Lego's......well done artistically, and good pop overview of sordid US history
January 21, 2014
Terrific illustrated book. Very well researched. Although it simplified the stories of the assassinations to fit into a LEGO cartoon style book--it was a very fun read.
February 28, 2014
Kind of amazing--need to see it to believe it, but not for young kids.
July 31, 2014
Such a great read! A little gory for little kiddos, but my 10 year old loved it.
November 30, 2014
LEGOS make learning and murder fun.
February 22, 2016
Loved this book! Such a fun way to present history and I learned a few things too.
June 21, 2015
This is amazing. In addition to being good history the Legos as artwork are amazing. I can only imagine the amount of time and energy this took to build, stage, light, and shoot. Amazing stuff.
February 18, 2016
A fun way to learn about assassination.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews