Jane Badger Books
Paul Brown
November 27, November 1893 - 1958
Paul Brown is one of the major pony book illustrators in America. His books are sought after, hard to find, and expensive when they are tracked down.
He was born in Minnesota, and fought in France in the First World War. He lived in Long Island, and travelled extensively to research horses (including visiting England every year for an 10 year period). During the Second World War, he was appointed Head of the men’s unit of the Red Cross Motor Unit in Nassau County, whose job was to unload stretcher cases from the C54s.
He never learned to ride, or had anything to do with horses apart from observing them, but it is perhaps this objectivity that makes him so successful. He said:
Paul Brown is one of the major pony book illustrators in America. His books are sought after, hard to find, and expensive when they are tracked down.
He was born in Minnesota, and fought in France in the First World War. He lived in Long Island, and travelled extensively to research horses (including visiting England every year for an 10 year period). During the Second World War, he was appointed Head of the men’s unit of the Red Cross Motor Unit in Nassau County, whose job was to unload stretcher cases from the C54s.
He never learned to ride, or had anything to do with horses apart from observing them, but it is perhaps this objectivity that makes him so successful. He said:
“During all my research I never learned to ride and had no actual contact with horses such as riding, grooming or training them.”
“But remember these two things: first, find out all you can about your chosen subject, and second - this is awfully important - Don’t copy anybody anytime. Be yourself.” [The Junior Book of Authors, 2nd edn, 1951]
“But remember these two things: first, find out all you can about your chosen subject, and second -
I’m still compiling a bibliography for Paul Brown (it’s a bit of an epic task), but in the meantime, here are the cover shots I have so far. Many thanks to Susan Bourgeau, who supplied nearly all of them.
Further reading:
BISCOTTI, M. L, Paul Brown Master of Equine Art, Derrydale Press,
2001
Paul Brown papers: University of Minnesota
