Reviews for The Magic of Youth

" . . . vivid and entertaining . . . James Philip Head brilliantly compiled this book into a way that introduced the American illustrator and portraitist . . . An Affair with Beauty made Howard Chandler Christy and his life three-dimensional . . . I highly recommend to readers everywhere." FIVE STARS - Danielle Urban, San Francisco Book Review

"Head's writing meticulously uses the language of the era as he allows the story . . . to unfold. Amidst the glamour and fame lie hints of shadows from the past. I am looking forward to the second book, Romantic Illusions . . . ." FIVE STARS - Karen Collins, Manhattan Book Review

"The author, James Philip Head, truly has a gift for writing. His talent to write in vivid detail brings Howard Chandler Christy's story to life. Having been able to interview people that knew Christy also creates a more intriguing story. Christy was an artist that went from rags to riches and he appeared to have no problems stepping into the upper echelons of society. His friends, many of whom were legends in their own right, appeared to be very loyal to him. He wasn't just an artist, he was a legend." - Paige Lovitt, Reader Views

A "sumptuous novel. . .The combination of novelistic insights and a wealth of straight-up biographical detail, ordinarily a very tricky thing to do well, is something Head does with remarkable confidence, bringing alive the frustrations and triumphs of a man who was once the most popular and sought-after artist in the United States. The reproductions of Christy's artwork scattered throughout the book adds a great deal to the texture of the story. I greatly look forward to the next volume." - Historical Novel Society

"The artist Howard Chandler Christy, most well-known for creating the "Christy Girl," was an artist famous in the early 1900s. While his name may be lesser known these days, his influence was felt far and wide, helping to frame the ideal image of female beauty for the time . . . There aren't many books that focus on Christy's life and so An Affair with Beauty is a welcome addition . . . The narrative . . . is engaging . . . A great read . . . . - The Portland Book Review