One of the best things about being an author is the wonderful opportunities that you get to speak to different groups and organizations. I have been very blessed this year with numerous speaking engagements and book signings. One of my favorite dates, and one that has resulted in many new relationships, was the talk that I did last month to the Fredericksburg Civil War Roundtable at the University of Mary Washington. This group is highly respected and one of the oldest CWRTs in the country. Founded in 1952, they run a very classy program, and I intend to accept their invitation to become a member in the very near future. (They also have the best menu in town.)

David Silberman is a very knowledgeable and talented RT member who has taken some rather remarkable photographs over the years. David was generous enough to share some of his work with me and he is now making several of his pieces available as limited edition prints. The first to be released is a stunning image that captures two Civil War-related inductees into The Hall of Fame for Great Americans at Bronx Community College in New York. They are Union Major General Ulysses Simpson Grant and Confederate Lieutenant General Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson. Both generals face one another in a very dramatic setting.

This Hall of Fame landmark was founded in 1900 to honor prominent Americans who have had a significant impact on this nation's history. Built in a sweeping semicircular Neo-Classical arc with wings at either end, it provides a panorama across the Harlem River and beyond to the Palisades. It is a unique and patriotic reminder that this country's phenomenal growth has been due to the vitality, ingenuity, and intellect of these individuals. While photographing Grant and Jackson, David was fortunate enough to have captured the beauty of the dawn. The result is a portrait with incredible lighting. The shadows of course add to the drama, but the sculpture's details and inscriptions are still clearly visible.

David explained to me that this image symbolizes the story of our country’s Civil War, when two great American’s of Hall of Fame status faced off in the name of their cause. It is a testament to the tragedy and triumph of the War Between the States. As a tribute, the photographer is making an 11 x 14 limited edition print available for purchase at only $150. I have recently added this print to my own office wall and highly recommend it for yours.

For more information on how you can order this one-of-a-kind photograph by David Silberman, please email ma@pinstripepress.net. (Serious inquires may request a full-size, low-resolution ‘sample’ photograph for a closer review.) I will be adding a permanent gallery with additional Silberman prints over on my website in the future.

(Photo Copyright 2008, David Silberman)