MARTHA'S VINEYARD; An Affectionate Memoir

The legendary island of Martha's Vineyard is revealed as never before through inspiring paintings by Ray Ellis and a captivating history by Ralph Graves. 

Martha's Vineyard is a celebrated vacation haven equally captivating summer residents and daytrippers. Among the Island's ardent admirers was Ray Ellis, whose paintings created over a 25–year period depict his love of the Vineyard, and Ralph Graves, whose lively, affectionate history spans 400 years.

Offering great natural beauty, the Vineyard, separated from Cape Cod by a seven–mile stretch of ocean, is a perfect place for a summer vacation. The Islands devotees have included public people who value their privacy, Jacqueline Onassis, Princess Diana and President Clinton, to name a few, as well as ordinary folks who are seeking a special holiday.

Featuring 100 of Ray Ellis' luminescent oils and watercolors, this book provides a unique appreciation of the Islands delights. Here is a wide range of scenes from quiet landscapes to such beloved annual events as the county fair. In addition to vignettes of sunny months Ray Ellis salutes the Vineyard at other times of the year―the glorious arrival of fall, the sedate pace of winter and the inaugural of springtime.

Rounding out this marvelous pictorial album is a fascinating text by Ralph Graves. He has written a concise history from its discovery in 1602 to its present–day active conservation efforts. The memoir also includes interviews with five long–time residents who provide insightful, firsthand accounts of their special connection to the Island.

This book is an ideal gift for anyone who has ever felt the lure of the Vineyard as well as for those who have yet to fall in love with this extraordinary Island.

Ray Ellis was an award-winning artist. He was commissioned in 1998 to paint scenes of the White House for the annual Christmas card, and collaborated with Walter Cronkite on a series of fine art books. His work is displayed throughout the United States in museums, galleries, the White House, and also in U.S. embassies throughout the world.

Ralph Graves is a writer whose novels, including August People, which takes place on the Vineyard, have been highly acclaimed. He is a former editorial director of Time Inc. and the last editor of LIFE as a weekly magazine. He lives in New York City and has spent 58 summers on Martha's Vineyard.