I cannot fathom a need arising for a biography of Eliza Lucas Pinckney ever again. Dianne Coleman — artist, author extraordinaire has raised the bar to dizzying heights with her just released book, True Indigo, An Illustrated Biography of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, Planter and Patriot.
Eliza Pinckney was a determined trailblazer in young America. She endured battles, diseases and maladies that had my knees trembling as I read them. Eliza tried, failed, tried again and finally succeeded in producing a royal grade Indigo. But Eliza did so much more, she persevered, and was personally responsible for the documentation and introduction of a large variety of plant and animal species to our coastal communities.
The (Indigo) seeds were planted in the mind of True Indigo's author, Dianne Coleman approximately 25 years ago while attending a family gathering in Asheville, NC. A relative mentioned that there was a leg of their family that was distantly related to Eliza Lucas Pinckney. The seeds took hold and for the next 25 years, Dianne has pursued the mesmerizing tales of one of South Carolina's first feminist. Dianne spent years reading the journals and letters of Eliza that are still in existence, and absorbing every publication and tidbit of information available to compose this beautiful composition.
The book itself is absolutely coffee table worthy. It arrived with an Indigo blue ribbon inside as a bookmark, the ribbon is identical to the choker ribbon that Eliza wears on the book cover. Every single page, including chapter notes and bibliography is beautifully illustrated by Dianne, with some period and artist renderings mingled in. The maps are exquisitely detailed. I found myself scanning the pages with a magnifying glass to better take in the details.
I had no intention of reading the book in a few short sittings, but there I was, curled up on the couch with this book while a half taken down Christmas tree and other decorations glared at me out of the corner of my eyes.
Ms. Coleman, an artist and botanist herself, identified with the endeavors of the blue handed woman Eliza Pinckney. That kinship is evident in the details of each page. The artwork is amazing, and the perfect compliment to the pages of Eliza's story.
Although her home is in Winston-Salem, NC, her curiosites and research brought her to the lowcountry for many trips to walk in the footsteps of her subject, Eliza. The bond she feels with Eliza from the research and telling of this book is evident. Ms. Coleman stated that she felt most connected to Eliza on the Hampton grounds outside of McClellanville, SC.
The story of Eliza is woven around the history of Charleston and surrounding communities; Settlement wars, slavery, separation from England, hurricanes, fires, disease and maladies long gone, weave through the lives of Eliza Pinckney and her family.
I personally have learned more about Charleston history and flora than I ever have from any single volume book. The index and bibliography are astounding and I went down a few rabbit holes just from those.
I can truly see this biography being enjoyed by anyone, from pre-teen to 100 years old. I believe it would be a wonderfully informative book on colonial living to introduce into schools and other learning institutions as well.
The book will be available on Amazon soon. I look forward to seeing her at a few book signings here in the lowcountry and will update this story as needed with those dates. In the meantime you can purchase the book and contact Ms. Coleman at the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/ElizaLucasPinckneyPlanterPatriot
