New book to help readers see ‘Beyond the River’
A reader is immersed in a handsome book, a work sculptured by stimulating photography, endorsed by deft and charming text and tied together by a design maven.
This is “Beyond The River,” infused by Bill Ward’s photography and sanctioned by his brother, John Ward, a stylized writer of quality. Emelene Russell of Castle Rock, Colorado, scored nicely with her gorgeous design elements.
Vibrant narrative and illustrations are the essential qualities of the book that celebrates life along the Arkansas River. “Beyond the River” tracks the history of the waterway and pays homage to its wonders, its artistry, its culture.
Bill Ward demonstrates, in this publication, a yearning to stop time. His restless creative energy is at the root of his thirst to open portals to the past. He is not afraid to fall in love with the people and scenes he photographs.
The beautiful book — a coffee-table anthology, perhaps — holds 120 slick pages. It has 240 photographs and 50,000 words of narrative by John Ward that ties pictures and stories together skillfully.
This oversized volume is lavish with elegant typography, photography writing and design. Copies may be reserved online at www.billwardphotography.com or by calling the author at 501-459-2500 or mailing requests to PO Box 33, Bee Branch, Ark., 72013
Following on the heels of Bill Ward’s first literary tour de force, “Conway As It Was … As It Is” in 2009, his “Beyond the River” bids fair to follow suit with its tantalizing content about the people who have helped create the fabric of life in Arkansas. Their many stories, readable accounts of the way it was and is now, are all tailored brilliantly in a photographic tour de force.
Among the touching stories — Dr. Jim Gray, a traveler who professed to be an eyewitness to Indian wars of the 19th century; a 7-year-old lass adrift three weeks in the South Atlantic and her dramatic rescue; an Arkansas soldier who was held for a year in the infamous Stalag 17 German prisoner of war camp during World War II; and the preacher living in the remote Ozark Mountains who grew up learning the art of whiskey-making before turning to a more prosaic work.
And there are so many more to be found in this book. How the Arkansas River was named, and how it was tamed; stories of Arkansans who starred on the stage and in the movies; the Rockefellers of Arkansas whose impact on the state will thrive always; an account of the mountain town that was changed by music; and the native son who made it to the White House.
The brilliant photography in the book emanates from Bill Ward’s 50-year work of capturing images of life. Today, he lives in Bee Branch, where he maintains his archives and conducts workshops in photography. Images in his archive now number nearly half a million.
John Ward is a veteran newsman who, among his pursuits, once worked as managing editor of the Log Cabin Democrat, taught journalism at the University of Arkansas, served as public affairs director at the University of Central Arkansas, was head of public relations for Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller and for Winthrop Paul Rockefeller, and authored two books on the former governor. He lives in Bee Branch and Conway.
Emelene Russell, a specialist in design and advertising, serves a broad range of national clients. She excels in book design and pursues her passion for sculpture. She is represented in fine stores in Colorado and California.
Bill Ward’s book, “Beyond the River”, will be available beginning the day of its introduction — Dec. 8 — at an all-day book signing at Pictures Et Cetera Fine Art Gallery in downtown Conway. Bill Ward said people who bought the first 500 numbered editions of “Conway As It Was … As It Is” will be able to reserve the same sequence number for his new book. The book sells for $110, as did the first one.
