Joe de Yong
A Life in the West
By: William Reynolds
About This Book
Joe De Yong: A Life in the West is the story of a life welled lived in the America West of the first part of the last century. Born in 1894 in Webster Groves, Missouri, a superb of St. Louis, De Yong had an immediate attraction to the cowboy way of life and when he was not at school he would help out a local ranches. If he wasn¿t riding he was sketching the subjects he loved the most ¿ cowboys and horses. At 13 years of age, he started working a local ranch when he heard a movie was being made in the area and they need cowboys. He jumped at the chance and met the silent-screens ultimate cowboy of the day, Tom Mix. Joe was hit with the idea of acting in moving pictures and followed the film company to Arizona in 1913. Somehow he came down with what was called at the time ¿cerebro meningitis¿ which would leave him totally deaf. Undeterred and further focused on his love of the cowboy ways, De Yong recouped by traveling the West and ultimately took in an exhibit of the works of the renowned artist, Charles M. Russell. The exhibit stopped young Joe in his tracks and he started writing to Russell resulting in Joe¿s opportunity to move to Great Falls, Montana in late 1914 to work with Russell in his studio. De Yong would be the first and only protégé of Russell¿s staying with he and his wife Nancy Russell until CM Russell¿s death in 1926. De Yong moved to Santa Barbara, CA just before Russell¿s death at the urging of their mutual friend, the artist Edward Borein. Borein would introduce De Yong to people in his circle that led to a meeting with film producer Cecil B. DeMille. De Yong would go one to a diverse career in the movie business, writing and creating artwork until his death in 1975.
AI Overview
Title: "Joe De Yong: A Life in the West" by William Reynolds
Overview: The book "Joe De Yong: A Life in the West" by William Reynolds is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and career of Western artist Joe De Yong, a protégé of Charles M. Russell. The book is a detailed and beautifully illustrated account that covers De Yong's personal life, his relationship with Russell, and his significant contributions to Western American art and culture.
Key Themes:
- Artistic Legacy: The book highlights De Yong's artistic journey, from his early days as an illustrator and painter to his transition into film as a set illustrator, costume designer, and historic consultant.
- Personal Struggles: De Yong's life is marked by significant personal challenges, including the loss of his hearing at 19 due to cerebral meningitis. Despite these adversities, he continued to create and preserve the authenticity of Western American culture.
- Mentorship and Legacy: The book explores De Yong's relationship with Charles M. Russell, who was his mentor and inspiration. It also discusses how De Yong protected and continued Russell’s legacy in his own work.
- Historical Context: The biography places De Yong’s career within the broader historical context of the American West, spanning from before the automobile revolution to the post-moon landing era.
Plot Summary: The book is structured around De Yong’s life, including his early days as a working cowboy and artist. It details his journey from traditional mediums like publishing and public art to modern mediums like film. The narrative is enriched by the inclusion of De Yong’s essays, letters, and poems, which provide a personal and intimate look at his experiences.
Critical Reception:
- Praise for the Author: William Reynolds is praised for his sharply written and exquisitely designed biography. His professionalism and style are noted, reflecting his extensive experience in media work, including publishing Ranch & Reata magazine for four decades.
- Historical Significance: Historians, students, collectors, and fans of Western American art are indebted to Reynolds for his publication. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the field, offering insights into the life and career of a pivotal figure in Western art.
- Book Reviews: The book has received positive reviews for its detailed account of De Yong’s life and career. A review on Silver Scenes blog praises the biography for its excellent coverage of De Yong’s personal life, his relationship with Charles M. Russell, and his years in the West.
Overall, "Joe De Yong: A Life in the West" by William Reynolds is a compelling and visually engaging biography that offers a profound understanding of De Yong’s life, art, and legacy in the context of Western American culture.