J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Royall Tyler in a Comic (sort of)

This week the Harvard Book Store in Cambridge published an anthology of comics called Minimum Paige. The first item is a little horror story that I scripted and Alex Cormack drew called “The Essex County Literary Wax Museum & Menagerie.” Last night we learned that the editors also awarded that story second prize among all the eligible entries in the book.

What does this have to do with Revolutionary War history? Hmmm.

The images of Judge Pyncheon from The House of Seven Gables in our story are based on pictures of the playwright and jurist Royall Tyler, who grew up in Revolutionary Boston. Nathaniel Hawthorne took some inspiration for that character from talks with Tyler’s disapproving in-laws; more on that connection here.

Also, I spent all of the prize money and a little more on Revolutionary history books from the store’s used-books basement.

And, um, Gen. George Washington slept in a house a couple of blocks from the store. For almost two weeks.

But really I just wanted to brag.

2 comments:

Rob Velella said...

Congratulations! Not on the prize, but for one of the cheekiest Rev. War-related blog posts I've seen in a while!

Okay, congratulations on the prize (and publication) too.

John L. Smith said...

With Minimum Restraint ... a Royall Congratulations to YOU, JL! When a Revolutionary Bostonian like yourself wins accolades , we ALL celebrate!...and accolades from Harvard Book Store [Coop], no less! I would also not believe the "claim" of Washington sleeping somewhere, unless it came from YOU as well (and presumably the Longfellow House). Congratulations again Mr. Bell! Well done!