Thomas Nast Biography

The American political cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902) imagined a new future for America with his creations of the Democratic donkey, Republican elephant, Santa Claus, Uncle Sam, and the feminine Columbia. As an artist for Harper’s Weekly, Nast created rallying pictures that strengthened the Union message, opposed concessions to the Confederacy during the Civil War, and pushed for freedmen’s rights in the reconstituted Southern States after Appomattox. In the late 1860s and early 1870s, Nast used his caricature art to become the major whistleblower on the Tweed Ring gang in the New York City government.

 

While reading American history extensively, Patrick realized that Nast had contributed significantly to American history, yet is largely unknown today in America. Patrick decided that Thomas Nast needs a biography that has social impact. This biography aspires to show readers why Nast’s work was, and still is, essential to the understanding of American history. This book is the product of three years of research, writing, and editing. Patrick is actively searching for a literary agent and a publisher for this book. Please contact him if you are interested.