True Richmond

Richmond may seem like a city of Republican shoes, self-promoting lawyers, churches in every size, color and architectural style and NASCAR politics... but please consider your source before you form an opinion of this quirky Southern city.

We all shudder to remember the editorials that have been written in the local daily and we've basked in the glow of our nation's media spotlight via our domestic and cultural controversies. An opinion based on this information would be lopsided! To know the real Richmond, well, the one that captured my heart, you might want to read the Flashback column of Richmond Magazine each month. If you aren't a regular reader and pick it up on occasion before you have your teeth cleaned or cavities searched you'll have the chance to own a collection of the most memorable columns by their celebrated author, Harry Kollatz, Jr.*

This image above is a draft of the cover sent to the author by The History Press. It depicts the pyramid that is a cornerstone monument of our beloved Hollywood Cemetery. I've toured cemeteries all over Europe and the United States and Hollywood Cemetery ranks up there with some of the best with its views of the James River rapids, haunting monuments, Victorian details, lush landscaping and topography. Please don't let my enthusiasm for the cover art and its locale mislead you: True Richmond Stories is not a tourist guide or a history book. It is a collection of portraits of the profound, eccentric, backward and heroic people and places that, in summary, equal why Richmond is and always has been such a colorful place to live.

True Richmond Stories has gone to press and will be available in many bookstores in mid September. Until then you can order it here or subscribe to Harry's official blog and get a free copy!

*Harry Kollatz, Jr is my spouse and partner in art and life...