The Outrageous Life of Henry Faulkner by Charles House (1988, Hardcover)

If you want to learn about Henry Faulkner, you must start with Charles House.

In 1988, seven years after the death of Henry Lawrence Faulkner, Charles House published what remains the only biography of the outlandish, Kentucky-born genius. Now in 2006, the revival of interest in Faulkner's paintings and writings is facilitated in large part by this insightful and authoritive book.

House gives a short synopsis of Henry's life: Henry was born in Simpson County KY. He was the 10th child of John Milton and Bessie Lee Faulkner. Henry later in life would claim Egypt, KY as his birthplace. Egypt sounded more fitting for a critically acclaimed artist.

His most pronounced traits: artistry, poetry, reverence for nature, love for animals, his restlessness and disdain for social convention, shaped him from early life. Henry hadn't decided to become a painter, at least in a professional sense, until he was nearly thirty years old. By the early sixties he was garnering good reviews from newspaper and magazine critics and making enough money in gallery sales to live without resorting to the indignity of a job.

To the public, Faulkner was the eccentric rebel who brought his bourbon drinking goat Alice to parties and exhibitions of his paintings. Apart from the obvious striving for attention, his bizarre behavior was the natural expression of an unceasing and unblushing childlike wonder at the world around him, and of an unusual sensitivity to beauty.

(exert from: The Outrageous Life of Henry Faulkner written by Charles House)

House's narrative is flawless as it reveals the kalidescope life and personality of his subject. It is a thoroughly enjoyable book that leaves the reader with a feeling of wonder, kindess and forgiveness toward the unpredictable Henry.

If you are in Lexington, Kentucky drop by Deborah Miller's Art Gallery to see some Faulkner paintings and attend a book signing of "The Outrageous Life of Henry Faulkner" by Charles House during her annual Faulkner exhibit.