Blurbs and Testimonial
BLURBS in praise of the Biographical Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists
Stuart M. Frank [is] the world’s leading scrimshaw expert. He was not only the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s senior curator, but is the founder and director of [the] Scrimshaw Forensics® Laboratory, which has revolutionized research into scrimshaw.
— Sebastian Smee, The Boston Globe (Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist)
Stuart Frank is due the highest acclaim for his years of research and accomplishment! It was Dr. Frank’s pioneering work and publications commencing in the 1980s that have been the basis for almost all significant scrimshaw investigations and research [and] for stimulating much of what has since been undertaken.
— Norman Flayderman, author of Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders
Dr. Frank’s work has long been foundational in the field of maritime history. No one has seen more scrimshaw than he has, and no one has so completely revised our understanding of this important cultural expression of whaling and seafaring. This essential volume of biographies emerges from decades of research to shine the brightest possible light on the real artists who
made scrimshaw the endlessly varied occupational art form that it is.
—Michael R. Harrison, Chief Curator, Nantucket Historical Association
Stuart Frank’s Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists will, without a doubt, be a standard reference resource for scholars, collectors, and others across a multitude of disciplines for many years to come. It is the culmination of a life’s work and passion by the world’s leading expert on scrimshaw and scrimshanders.
—John R. Bockstoce, Ph.D., maritime historian; author of numerous books on whaling history
This singular, authoritative, and comprehensive dictionary of scrimshaw artists is indispensable to any collector. It will undoubtedly become the standard reference for today and the next several generations of scrimshaw collectors and scholars.
—Joshua Eldred, CEO, Eldreds Auctions
Dr. Stuart Frank’s works on scrimshaw and scrimshaw artists form a cornerstone of any scrimshaw collector’s library, and his work is vital to our understanding of the art of the whaleman. The Biographical Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists will be a critical resource for anyone interested in maritime art and history.
— Jerry Dauterive, Ph.D., Antique Scrimshaw Collectors Association
Years of thorough investigative effort. A masterful compilation of scrimshaw artists positively indispensable to the serious collector.
— James Vaccarino, Esq., J.D.; collector and restorator
Stuart Frank is an immortal in the field of scrimshaw scholarship. To be able to access his lifetime of research and observation in one reference resource is priceless. It will prove to be the authoritative encyclopedia on the subject for the ages.
— Mark D. Foley, collector and historian of Indigenous Alaskan scrimshaw A triumph!
—Jeremy Slavitz, Exhibitions Manager, Nantucket Historical Association
Stuart Frank’s introductions to canes in Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved and Scrimshaw on Nantucket are stellar, gorgeously written, and ticked all the boxes I was hoping for. The Biographical Dictionary goes even further, to elucidate the lives and times of scrimshaw-makers across several centuries of history.
— Eddi VanAuken, world-class collector, and author of Vertical Art
My rolling three-shelf reference library is an arm’s length away from my desk. The most used and most useful books are on the top shelf: Dr. Frank’s Scrimshaw and Provenance and Ingenious Contrivances, next to Norman Flayderman’s Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, and Judith Lund’s American Offshore Whaling Voyages. These books — and now the Biographical Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists — are invaluable and indispensable, revealing an unending wealth of vital information, essential tools of the trade for dealers and collectors.
—Andrew Jacobson, Marine Antiques, Ipswich, Mass.
Dealer, appraiser, broker, and consultant for 45 years.
The Biographical Dictionary of Scrimshaw Artists is an outstanding body of work. It is of cultural and historical significance—hence invaluable to museums, institutions, scholars, collectors, dealers, and auctioneers internationally.
— Gary Tonkin, scrimshaw artist, Australia
Owning a piece whose maker has been identified gives the piece more value and maybe a soul.
— Tom Conley, retired airline pilot, scrimshaw collector
In Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved, Frank tells a deeply researched and colorfully presented narrative history of the art [of scrimshaw]. Verdict: Al. A real treasure for scrimshaw collectors, those interested in maritime history and folk art, and general readers. Highly recommended [and accordingly awarded the coveted Library Journal Star].
— Marcia Welsh (Dartmouth College Library), Library Journal
I can think of no better author on scrimshaw than Dr. Stuart M. Frank, highly regarded as one of the foremost authorities in the world and author of many articles and books on scrimshaw — all scrimshaw “bibles” for scholars, dealers, collectors, and others interested in scrimshaw.
— Max N. Berry, J.D.; world-class collector and patron of the arts;
past Chairman of the Board, Smithsonian Institution;
Honorary Trustee, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Stuart Frank’s Scrimshaw On Nantucket is an outstanding, erudite achievement, emphasizing Nantucket lore and connections throughout while keeping the bigger picture in mind. It takes its place on the shelf alongside Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved, another masterpiece.
— Kenneth R. Martin, Ph.D., whaling and business historian;
former Director of the Kendall Whaling Museum;
author of numerous books on whaling history
