Skinner on “Paul Revere’s Ride” in Boston, 19 July

On Saturday, 19 July, the Paul Revere House will host the launch of Paul Revere’s Ride: An Illustrated History, by Cortney Skinner.

There have been many illustrated editions of Henry W. Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride,” the artists wrestling to different degrees with its historical inaccuracies.

Skinner took a different path. He’s illustrated Revere’s own account of his ride, our most detailed source on it. And he’s gone to great effort to paint its scenes with as much historical accuracy as possible.

Opposite each painting is a page discussing the historic details, mysteries, and artistic choices Skinner made. Like a good historian, he shares his sources and explains how he decided on visual details, from the household furniture to the angle of the moonlight.

At this event, Skinner will discuss the process of creating Paul Revere’s Ride: An Illustrated History and sign books. It’s scheduled from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. The book can also be ordered from the Paul Revere House gift shop.

Also at the Paul Revere House that afternoon will be reenactors of Captain Amasa Soper’s Company, a unit that volunteered to defend Boston from attack by sea after the siege of the city ended in March 1776.