Helen F. Copley is indeed a dedicated lady. Her book, written in an absorbing and happy tone keeps ones eyes glued to Helen's captivating text. The deceased illustrater, Howard Chandler Christy, is not an easy target for research in books, and certainly tougher to follow his tracks to places where his paintings still existed. Helen did it all. She travelled from her home in Dallas to New York City, Vermont, Ohio and California all places where Christy once lived. She located his paintings in Dallas, Ohio, and South Carolina. In Northern Florida she visited a Stephen Foster museum on the banks of the Suwanee River where Foster's melodies, "Beautiful Dreamer" and "Many Happy Days" were captured on canvass in splendid reverees that only Christy could do. Helen visited all Christy's past haunts, interviewed surviving aquaintances, and spoke to living relatives including Christy's daughter. In her travels Helen never tired. She kept up an exhausting pace. If it were not for her travelling companion, Carol Anne, Helen would still be on her Quest.

Helen's keen observations and her trips, sometime intuitive, always brought more of the unknown Christy to light. Her writing is cheerful descriptive and a delightful experience for everyone not merely Christy afficianados. Helen is a Howard Chandler Christy muse. She would not have been out of place with Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. This is a must read for all.

What a delightful read! I did not know that I was familiar with Howard Chandler Christy, until I reviewed some of his works. His paintings are captivating; I can imagine how that portrait of Christ could have begun this journey. Ms. Copley's story of twists and turns, and "coincidences" that continued to lead her on capture the reader. Remembrances of life at The Hotel des Artistes, and the hints of Christy's own independent and fascinating life have whetted my appetite for more writings of the artist, the man. But I am even more impressed by the author herself. She followed her interest, listened to those little strong voices, and accepted encouragement to complete a wonderful story. Her travels and discoveries in New York and elsewhere are inspiring. I anxiously await more work by Helen Copley.

The Christy Quest is the story of Helen Copley's diligent research about the artist Howard Chandler Christy. The artist and his work is certainly central to the book but not the real story. The book is a joyous tale of the author's quest for knowledge about herself and her subject. The miracles encountered and so easily communicated are the product of many right next steps taken by the author. The book is a roadmap for anyone who is considering writing a nonfiction book. It is also a must read for anyone who needs a little encouragement to take a chance on themselves and a dream.

I can give this book no higher praise than I have read it every year for the last 15 years, and have never tired of it. It describes my utopia.

The highly mannered style and aggrandized gaze of Nicholson's world nevertheless delights and enchants the reader with the silken kaleidoscope of sensory values pulled through narrow golden hoop of the written page. Indiana's lace-edged tintype history gleams with romance, mystery, substance. I am proud to own this signed first edition, and collect Nicholsons where others have imprudently overlooked them. The story begins as the hero enters the scene, nodding at the criminal foil, the stately and perfect heroine(American style if you please,) and the lifelong friend of the old school. Never again shall a writer look to the future and look back over the shoulder of American History with such finesse. A grand mystery, may Hollywood never grab it!

review to be completed after seeing boo

What a great gift for a woman in the military...providing she has a sense of humor! Can be used for keeping track of all those pesky military dos and don'ts, or all the phone numbers she wants to collect. A gift-book of infinite possibilities....