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Post by Jim Boylston on May 24, 2007 11:43:35 GMT -5
Mark, how about an update on your new book? I figured I'd ask you on the forum instead of PM since all of us are interested.
Jim
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Post by marklemon on May 24, 2007 22:25:58 GMT -5
Jim,
First off, check the old Alamo film forum under: "Visiting and related events" and the post title: "Addresses needed for San Antonio reception." This touches on an unpcoming event in SA regarding my new book. The publisher State House Press has been working with the San Antonio Community Foundation, who in turn have found a number of interested individuals and corporate sponsors, who want to fund a travelling exhibit of the (as yet unseen by the public) large scale model of the Alamo compound I have built based on very close cooperation with Jake Ivey and Craig Covner. We don't always agree, but have worked through some tough trouble spots to come up with what I sincerely feel is the world's most factually correct and realistic model of the Alamo bar none. It is on a table which measures 13' by 10 feet, and is in 1/48 scale.
The second week of June, Gary Foreman is scheduled to travel to my home to do a photo shoot using his incredible 39 megapixel camera, which he says is capable of taking a photo of my Alamo model, and blowing it up to the ACTUAL SIZE of the real Alamo (if he wanted to)without losing any resolution. My model has a hidden panel in the center of the Alamo plaza, which enables the photographer to go underneath, then pop up in the center of the plaza in order to take a series of "inside" shots, as if the viewer were standing in the center of the real 1836 Alamo. After he has taken a series of photos, he will have sky and in some cases, terrrain, dropped in by his cgi specialists. He will also drop in a few appropriately clad 1836 defenders (real life people) in the shots, for scale. He says you cannot tell the difference, the process is so flawless.
Anyway, getting back to the point, the corporate sponsors want to fund a travelling exhibit of both my model, as well as a series of Gary's blown up photos. This tour will travel around probably for several years, and will go to various venues such as museums , universities,and cultural centers. The purpose will be to promote the book as well as Texas history.
On June 28th of this year, they are flying me out to SA, and shipping my model out there as well, for a presentation to the sponsors, which will be followed by a reception and closer viewing of the model, and some of Gary's photos. I was asking anyone who is interested in attending send me their addresses so that I could pass them on the the publisher. As this is an invitation only event, they'll need to send the invitations out to those who want to come. As of now, I am fairly certain that Jake Ivey, Bruce Winders, and perhaps Steve Hardin will attend. Anyone who is a member of this forum is of course welcome to attend as well. I'll just need your mailing address so that you can get your invitation.
The book is more or less on track. I am literally working until 5 or even 6 every morning on the model. The release date for the book is Feb of 2008.
Mark
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Post by Jim Boylston on May 24, 2007 23:07:41 GMT -5
That sounds great Mark, thanks for the info. If I weren't booked on a job that week I'd definitely take you up on your offer and attend. I hope some of our forum members will be able to show their support.
Please continue to keep us updated on your progress!
(And if you want to sneak preview any photos of the model, be sure and post them here in our "Images" area. We're all looking forward to seeing it!)
Jim
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Post by bhist on May 25, 2007 12:31:04 GMT -5
Your model sounds outstanding. You were definitley thinking ahead with developing the trapdoor for the photographer.
Since I just registered today, I have no idea what your book is about. If you don't mind, what is the subject?
I wish I could be there June 28, but i'll be in Montana. Hope to see some photos though.
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Post by Jim Boylston on May 25, 2007 14:35:56 GMT -5
Mark can fill you in in detail, but his upcoming book will offer a comprehensive look at the compound at the time of the battle, utilizing the latest research.
I've seen Mark's renderings, they are impressive.
Jim
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Post by Herb on Jun 10, 2007 22:44:53 GMT -5
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Post by marklemon on Jun 11, 2007 2:14:52 GMT -5
Whoa! You mean the book is available now?? That would rule. AW They obviously are taking pre-orders, as the book is not yet available. In fact, this coming Friday Gary Foreman will be doing the photo shoot of the model. His photos will comprise about 85 percent of the book's images with the rest being done by myself, as well as drawings and paintings. So in other words, it's still a "work in progress" but well on the way. Mark |
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Post by TRK on Jun 11, 2007 8:04:13 GMT -5
I like the projected page count of 224, and hope the finished book tops off at close to that number.
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Post by Wade Dillon on Jun 11, 2007 20:34:11 GMT -5
I can't wait Mark!
Me and Victoria remember watching you doing your research while we sat infront of the Alamo late at night. It was great to have finally met you in March and I really look forward to the release of your book. Save a signed copy for me!
~Wade
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Post by Herb on Jun 11, 2007 20:51:37 GMT -5
They obviously are taking pre-orders, as the book is not yet available. In fact, this coming Friday Gary Foreman will be doing the photo shoot of the model. His photos will comprise about 85 percent of the book's images with the rest being done by myself, as well as drawings and paintings. So in other words, it's still a "work in progress" but well on the way. Mark That's definitely a preorder! I thought for a minute Amazon was offering it before the publication date (they did that with Lindley's Traces - a number of us bought it and had it in our hands almost two months before it was actually "published"). But, it's kind of hard for them to do that if your publisher doesn't even have it! ;D |
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Post by marklemon on Jun 18, 2007 22:56:45 GMT -5
Here's an update on the progress on my book for those interested:
The centerpiece and the heart of my book, a superdetailed 1/48 scale model of the Alamo compound ( based on a compilation of my own research along with Jake Ivey's,Craig Covner's, with some of Rick Range's artillery data thrown in) is finally finished after working literally non-stop on it for over two months. Rest assured, this is no toy, or "playset."
Gary Foreman spent about 2/12 days at my home recently, and, utilizing his monstrous 39 megapixel Hasselblad camera, slaved to a computer which sets and adjusts the focus and exposure for optimum quality photos, executed a gruelling photoshoot comprising over 300 exposures in 95 degree heat.
The model features a complete blacksmith's outfit just to the north of the 18 pounder position. This includes a forge and bellows, a cooling tub, anvil, hammer, tongs, broken wagon wheels to be mended, as well as various other tools lying nearby on a workbench. It also features a slaughtering area outside the kitchen, with a block and tackle gutting hoist, butcher's table, and meat cleaver. All the guns were meticulously replicated in their correct calibers, as well as the correct materila(ie: bronze or iron) In fact, I am most pleased by the artillery. The three long and slender nine-pounders could not be replicated in any other way than hand-carving them. This was true also for the gunade, and of course, the 18-pounder. All were hand carved and look very correct.
In addition, the northern courtyard will feature the most realistically depicted latrine configuration ever shown. This was only a small part ofCraig Covner's input, but was quite important to me, as I wanted the most likely correct type of "facility" that the defenders used. Perhaps the biggest surprise to lamo students will be a feature in the northern courtyard whih, oddly, has never been depicted by modern day artists before now, but something for which there is clear evidence. I think I'll leave this one as a surprise.... I can tell you it will be controversial, but I am quite prepared to defend it's existence with the data.
Thanks for your time and attention,
Mark Lemon
Gary will take the photos I select, and drop in photoshopped sky, clouds, and terrain, as well as a FEW real persons added for scale in the distance. (Of course, these will be lean, correctly-clad reenactors, no fatties, please).
I have seen his raw images, and the detail is astounding. He will even include a few night shots he made by ingeniously utilizing small candles placed just out of sight around the compound with the light bouncing against the church , convento, and other features. The effect is a dead on match for campfire light in the Alamo.
The biggest hurdle is complete (the model and subsequent photos). Now the text just needs to be typed and smoothed for each photo. As the text is 99 % complete already, this will not take long.
The manuscript is due to the publisher on July 15th, and we're still looking at a Feb 2008 release. The book will be the exact same size as the "Texas Flags" book, 9" by 12" and will, I think be priced at $40.00
Mark Lemon
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Post by marklemon on Jun 18, 2007 22:58:41 GMT -5
Sorry about the "thanks for your time and attention" blurb dropped in at the wrong place...I'm still quite exhausted and need sleep badly.
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Post by Doc Al on Jun 19, 2007 0:06:51 GMT -5
Thanks for the update, Mark! I pre-ordered your book through Amazon and can hardly wait to see it. Now, sounds like time you got some rest.
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Post by Herb on Jun 27, 2007 18:36:08 GMT -5
Mark, reading your posts in other topics has got me wondering, if you have any more info on Rick Range's book, ie a title and anticipated publication date? It seems your two books are really going to address some sorely missed subjects.
BTW, good luck with the presentation in Bexar tomorrow night!
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Post by marklemon on Jun 27, 2007 22:13:42 GMT -5
Herb
Rick's book process seems to just go on forever. he's constantly checking and rechecking his facts (can't much blame him there) to make sure everything's right...the big problem occurred recently when I sent him a copy of Jake Ivey's latest manuscript. Rick saw that some of the numbers don't match up between him and Jake, which sent Rick into a tizzy. Now he's got to go back and verify everything before he'll let the book go to the publisher. The problem is that he tends to worry over the smallest, seemingly insignificant details, even worrying about fractions of an inch when it comes to wall lengths, etc.
BUT, when its done, I think it'll be a really absorbing book, and full of great information. He's even going to have extensive appendices, covering everything from a cross referencing casualty list, to ordinance expenditures, inventories of weapons recovered after the battle, etc. All these things can be found in Hansen, of course, but its great to have them in the same book you're reading, so that you may refer to them when a question comes up.
Look for the book sometime early next year, or possibly mid-year.
Mark
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