Howard Pyle, a chronicle by Charles D. Abbott, with an introduction by N. C. Wyeth and many illustrations from Howard Pyle's works.

HOWARD PYLE: A CHRONICLE
Wooing,' and furious with the engraver who clipped the
nose of your delightful Widow Prevost. But the superb
drawings for the 'Star Bearer' are the most satisfactory
obbligato that any poetry of mine has ever received-the
best work of this kind, too, in any American magazine.
"Of course, with your own 'Corsair' spirit. *. you could
not fail to do something fine for my 'Morgan,' but I
found, this morning, even better than I expected. The
drawing, or rather painting, is magnificent! Figures, faces,
composition, all dramatically fine, and catching the spirit of
the ballad at its most characteristic point. 'Tis a pity that
this unique painting, which is the result of both talent and
close labor, should have to be condensed into a page of
Harper. Yet, it will be effective, even on that scale.
"Yes, it is one of your very best, and will bear off the
honors next December.
"I suppose, you own the painting, but I ought to. I wish
I were able to pay your price for it, if you would permit it
to go on my walls. When I see such a picture enriching
my own verse, I feel more than ever the loss -of my former
means. Still, I will pinch a good deal in other directions,
if you will name a price for it.
"Then, you really ought to make a painting four times
this size, from this fine study, possibly with more colors
than black-and-white, for a large effect and for exhibition
and sale. I say this because the grouping and motion of the
sketch are so very striking.
"But again my thanks for your interpretation of my
little ballad and may I have the good fortune more than
once again to be with you before the public."
This was written on July 20, 1888. Howard Pyle
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