A Way of Seeing: The Inward and Outward Vision of Lilias Trotter

by I. Lilias Trotter, Miriam Huffman Rockness (Compiler)

40 inspirational reflections exquisitely illustrated—for personal or group contemplation. “During a visit to Venice in 1876, the mother of Lilias Trotter heard that John Ruskin, then fifty-seven, was in the city to work on drawings and to revise his book of 1851-53, The Stones of Venice. Carefully drafting a letter of introduction, she must have hoped that Lilias might receive some instruction in drawing or at least some general commendation from the foremost writer on art of his day. Probably she was expecting no more than that, although there would have been the obvious excitement of personal contact with one of the most famous people in the English-speaking world. Having given ‘somewhat sulky permission,’ Ruskin was surprised to see ‘extremely rightminded and careful work,’ and asked ‘that the young lady might be allowed to come out sketching with me.’ ‘She seemed to learn everything the instant she was shown it,’ he recalled, ‘and ever so much more than she was taught.’” Stephen Wildman Professor of History of Art, Lancaster University Director, Ruskin Library and Research Centre

120 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2016

About the author

Isabella Lilias Trotter was an artist, author, and a Christian missionary for over 38 years to the Muslims of Algeria.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Holiness, not safety, is the end of our calling."

[Corinne Holloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed being able to flip through this little book and read quotes by Trotter and see some of her paintings. The intro was spot on about her skill despite the size of these watercolors. New artist added to my favorites? Probably. She also loves the desert!

I am excited to read more about her and her work in the other books my loving father bought me for Christmas.

[Thomas Argersinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible faith, incredible artistic gift. Lilias Trotter is on the list of people I would love to talk to. This book integrates her words and her art in a quiet, simple way that opens up vistas for contemplation. Highly recommended.

[Elisabeth Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything by this author that I have read. She lead a beautiful and inspiring life. She is a gifted artist as well. Such a wonderful work!

[Brenda Shipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high expectations of this book, having studied the life of Lilias Trotter through the eyes of Miriam Rockness, as well as viewing the film "Many Beautiful Things", which details so beautifully and artistically Lilias' life. However, this book, A Way of Seeing, is a simple compilation of Lilias' artwork along with quotes from her writings, which I felt fall short of capturing the depth and beauty of Lilias Trotter's artwork, as well as her relationship with God. The book was also way overpriced for its size (6"x 8.5") and quality. Having said all that, I commend Miriam Rockness for editing and compiling yet another work about the life of Lilias Trotter. I also felt the preface and introduction were well-written.

[Lauren Fee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book was set up with a quote from Lilias on one side and one of her beautiful watercolor paintings on the other. I feasted on a painting and quote per day and it guided me with encouragement and exhortation during my initial postpartum period after my fourth pregnancy and birth so this book has an extra layer of sentimentality for me. I highly recommend savoring this treasure trove of a book slowly in this way! The Holy Spirit nearly always gave me words for each day through Lilias when I needed them.

[Amy]

Beautiful paintings and insightful words.

[Paul Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty little introduction to the art and philosophy of Lilias Trotter.