ABSTRACT

First published in 1980, Steel-Engraved Book Illustration in England is a detailed and comprehensive survey of the steel engravings that were so popular in the nineteenth century.

With an extensive range of illustrations, the book refutes the assumption that steel engravings are of little artistic value or importance, a common attitude rooted largely in the connection between steel engravings and mass-produced books. Beginning with an exploration of the identification problems and early history of steel engravings, it moves through the production and printing of the plates and on to a study of several engravers and artists, as well as of the books themselves.

Steel-Engraved Book Illustration in England will appeal to anyone interested in the history of printing and illustration.

chapter Chapter One|9 pages

Introducing the steel engraving

chapter Chapter Two|8 pages

Siderography and after

chapter Chapter Three|15 pages

Warren's steel plates

chapter Chapter Four|20 pages

The art of steel engraving

chapter Chapter Five|10 pages

The corporate life of the engravers

chapter Chapter Six|43 pages

Some steel engravers

chapter Chapter Seven|29 pages

The artists

chapter Chapter Eight|18 pages

The books

chapter Chapter Nine|25 pages

Publishing and the publishers

chapter Chapter Ten|27 pages

Plate printing and the printers

chapter Chapter Eleven|12 pages

Decline of the art