🕯️ Occult Philosophy

The Story of LEM Ward

Reader Score
4.8
(6 reviews)
$46.00
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A biographical account of wildfowl artist Lem Ward by his daughter Ida.

This publication presents the life story of Lem Ward through the eyes of his daughter, Ida. It covers his upbringing in the Chesapeake Bay marshes and his subsequent career as a wood carver and painter. The text highlights his resilience against severe illness and his contribution to American wildfowl art. Ida’s long-term presence during his career provides unique insights into his process and personality. The book serves as a historical record of an artist who influenced the genre significantly. It appeals to collectors and historians interested in the personal narratives behind antique art pieces. The focus remains on the human element of creation rather than abstract theory.

Key Themes
American wildfowl art Lem Ward biography Chesapeake Bay marshes
Literary Context

Lem Ward (1896-1984) established a foundation for American wildfowl art. His work emerged from the specific environment of the Chesapeake Bay marshes. This period saw the rise of regional folk art traditions that valued naturalistic depiction and local subject matter.

🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 Schiffer 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780887400285

📝 Description: The Story of LEM Ward

Lem Ward (1896-1984) stands as a foundational figure in American wildfowl art. This volume traces his journey from childhood among the marshes of the Chesapeake Bay to his emergence as a respected wood carver and painter. The narrative details how he overcame severe illness to create works that are now highly regarded in the field. Ida Ward, his daughter, provides the primary account. She shares her perspective having accompanied him for nearly the entire duration of his artistic career. The book offers an intimate look at the man behind the craft, focusing on his personal history and daily life rather than just technical instruction. Readers interested in the biographical aspects of folk art will find this text valuable. It documents a specific era of regional American artistry through the lens of family memory. Those seeking dry academic analysis or purely technical guides for carving may find the focus on personal anecdote less suitable. The work remains grounded in the lived experience of its subject, offering a window into the life of an artist who shaped a genre. Ida Ward’s proximity to her father allows for a detailed chronicle of his development and enduring legacy in the Chesapeake region.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

Reader rating

4.8
Based on 6 reviews
5
5
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
D
David B.
May 13, 2026
Beautiful edition

My book club chose this last month. It reads better in small doses — a chapter at a time with notes. Great value for what you get.

R
Rachel E.
January 11, 2026
Very good

Arrived faster than expected and well packaged. I found myself reading passages aloud just to sit with them. I appreciated how the argument builds steadily from first principles. A few pages arrived with light corner wear, though nothing serious.

A
Arthur R.
July 22, 2025
Worth every penny

Not my usual area but wanted to branch out. Challenging in places, but never needlessly obscure. The historical context alone makes it worth the price. Recommended if you're ready to do the work.

J
John V.
March 25, 2025

I collect works on this subject and this is a worthy addition. Solid binding, decent paper — holds up to heavy use. It's become a regular reference in my practice. A keeper.

C
Caleb P.
November 5, 2024
Essential reading

First purchase from this shop. A text you study rather than simply read. One of my better finds this year.

J
John N.
September 22, 2024
Deep and rewarding

Long-time student of the esoteric here. It connects ideas I'd only seen treated separately elsewhere.

🏛 Books from this publisher Schiffer

All books from this publisher →
The Carver's Handbook, II: Carving the Wildlife of the Forest and Jungle -27%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
The Carver's Handbook, II: Carving the Wildlife of the Forest and Jungle
$8.00 $11.00
82
Tattoo Road Trip: Southern California: Southern California
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Tattoo Road Trip: Southern California: Southern California
$39.00
82
Impressions with Clay Liebson, Milt
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Impressions with Clay Liebson, Milt
$32.00
78
More Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft in Profile -17%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
More Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft in Profile
$60.00 $73.00
89
The Bridal Bouquet Book -29%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
The Bridal Bouquet Book
$64.00 $91.00
89
American Stonewares: The Art and Craft of Utilitarian Potters Greer, Georgeanna H
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
American Stonewares: The Art and Craft of Utilitarian Potters Greer, Georgeanna H
$70.00
82

You might also like

See more →
1906 Earthquake: San Francisco's Great Disaster Demlinger, Sandor 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
6
1906 Earthquake: San Francisco's Great Disaster Demlinger, Sandor
$33.00
89
More Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft in Profile -17%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
More Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft in Profile
$60.00 $73.00
89
The Bridal Bouquet Book -29%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
5
The Bridal Bouquet Book
$64.00 $91.00
89
Birds of Cape Cod & the Islands -32% 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
6
Birds of Cape Cod & the Islands
$68.00 $101.00
89
British and American Aces of World War I: The Pictorial Record
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
2
British and American Aces of World War I: The Pictorial Record
$96.00
89
The Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles: Region 6 Southern California Karlson, Norman
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
4
The Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles: Region 6 Southern California Karlson, Norman
$112.00
89
Tattoo Road Trip: Southern California: Southern California
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
4
Tattoo Road Trip: Southern California: Southern California
$39.00
82
Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collectors Guide Herman, Michael 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
6
Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collectors Guide Herman, Michael
$60.00
82

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist