Lane is the first to really delve into the truth of what life might have been like for John Brewster Jr., a deaf artist in the boomtown environment of Federal Period Maine and northern New England. This groundbreaking book will lead to a new understanding not only of John Brewster Jr. but of the roles of artist and patron in early America. -Tom Hardiman, executive director, Portsmouth, Athenaeum (NH)

"This riveting account of John Brewster Jr. will be invaluable not only in Deaf Studies and art history, but also in early American history and the social history of American institutions." -Carol Padden, coauthor of Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture

"The paintings of John Brewster Jr. have long been held in esteem by those interested in early American art, not only for their stark clarity but also for their penetrating characterizations. Students and lovers of American art could read this book for its straightforward history alone, but Lane does much more by providing broad historical context to Brewster's life and art. For the first time, the loose ends of the artist's remarkable life have been synthesized in this accessible book." -David Wheatcroft, eminent dealer in American folk art

"Brewster overcomes his physical limitations only to emerge as a giant on the American art scene centuries later . . . Professor Lane brilliantly captures how Brewster achieved this and why he is deserving of our attention today." -Jay S. Williamson, curator, Historical Society of Old Newbury, Massachusetts