Subject
Illustration of books -- Great Britain -- 19th century Books
Best books
Graham Everitt
English Caricaturists and Graphic Humourists of the Nineteenth Century. How they Illustrated and Interpreted their Times.
"English Caricaturists and Graphic Humourists of the Nineteenth Century" by Graham Everitt is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the evolution and significance of English caricature and graphic satire from the time of Napoleon until the death of noted cartoonist John Leech in 1864. It provides a detailed examination of how caricaturists interpreted and illustrated the social and political climate of their times, with prominent figures like Gillray, Rowlandson, and Cruikshank featured prominently. The opening of the book introduces the subject of caricature, defining it as an exaggerated portrayal that conveys popular opinion and sentiments of the era. Everitt discusses the shift in style and spirit of English caricatures, noting how earlier works were characterized by coarseness typical of the last century, while later caricaturists like John Doyle and his successors refined and transformed the art into a more sophisticated form. He asserts the relevance of these artists in understanding the political narratives of their time, particularly regarding figures like Napoleon and the socio-political changes happening throughout the 19th century.
Frederic George Kitton
Dickens and His Illustrators Cruikshank, Seymour, Buss, "Phiz," Cattermole, Leech, Doyle, Stanfield, Maclise, Tenniel, Frank Stone, Landseer, Palmer, Topham, Marcus Stone, and Luke Fildes 2nd. Ed.
"Dickens and His Illustrators" by Frederic George Kitton is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the collaboration between Charles Dickens and his various illustrators, highlighting their artistic contributions to his works. The subject matter primarily delves into the evolution of illustrations associated with Dickens's novels and sketches, emphasizing the influence of these visual elements on the reader's experience and the characters' representations. The opening of the work presents a preface that establishes the unique significance of Dickens's writings in the realm of illustrated literature. Kitton discusses the remarkable array of illustrations that accompanied Dickens's original publications and later editions, noting the comprehensive nature of these artistic enhancements. The text reflects on the sometimes complex relationship Dickens had with his illustrators, particularly pointing out that while he had high standards for their work, he often felt disappointed by the results. Kitton aims to shed light on the artistic processes behind the illustrations and the collaborative dynamics between the novelist and his illustrators throughout Dickens's career.
Gleeson White
English Illustration 'The Sixties': 1855-70 With Numerous Illustrations by Ford Madox Brown: A. Boyd Houghton: Arthur Hughes: Charles Keene: M. J. Lawless: Lord Leighton, P.R.A.: Sir J. E. Millais, P.R.A.: G. Du Maurier: J. W. North, R.A.: G. J. Pinwell: Dante Gabriel Rossetti: W. Small: Frederick Sandys: J. Mcneill Whistler: Frederick Walker, A.R.A.: and Others
"English Illustration 'The Sixties': 1855-70" by Gleeson White is a collection of critical essays and analyses written in the late 19th century. The work primarily focuses on the art and significance of various illustrators and illustrated periodicals from the 1860s, assessing their contributions to English literature and visual culture during this time. White reflects on how societal and aesthetic changes in this period influenced public perception of illustration and the artist's role. The opening of the volume sets the stage for a deep exploration of mid-Victorian illustration. Gleeson White expresses the need to reevaluate and appreciate the artists of the 1860s, who had once been overshadowed by painters but are now recognized for their merit in visual storytelling. He discusses the evolution of public interest in illustrations, linking it to a broader cultural shift that has made past styles and artists more appealing. This introduction suggests a rich examination of the art of the period and how it intermingled with societal trends, setting the groundwork for comprehensive discussions in subsequent chapters.
George Dalziel
The Brothers Dalziel A Record of Fifty Years Work in Conjunction with many of the Most Distinguished Artists of the Period 1840-1890
"The Brothers Dalziel" by George Dalziel and Edward Dalziel is an autobiographical work published at the end of the nineteenth century. This record chronicles five decades of the Dalziel family's wood-engraving business in Victorian London, from 1840 to 1890. The brothers collaborated with celebrated artists including Millais, Rossetti, and Whistler, producing illustrations for iconic works like "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." Their memoir captures the golden age of wood-engraving before photo-mechanical processes transformed the trade.
William Harrison Ainsworth
Cruikshank's Water Colours
"Cruikshank's Water Colours" by George Cruikshank is a collection of illustrated works written in the early 20th century. The text showcases a suite of watercolour drawings that depict the narrative of "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens, emphasizing the dramatic and social themes of the story. The illustrations are celebrated for their vividness and humor, capturing the essence of Dickens's characters and settings. The opening of the text serves as an introduction to Cruikshank's artistic style and the historical context of the illustrations. It describes the unique nature of the watercolour drawings, positioning them as exceptional contributions to the literary narrative of "Oliver Twist." It highlights Cruikshank’s mastery in illustrating various social situations from 18th-century London, including themes of class disparity, life in the workhouses, and the hardships faced by orphans like Oliver. The introduction also touches on the artist's pride in his original contributions to Dickens's work, asserting his role as an imaginative creator who visually enriched these celebrated stories.
Haldane Macfall
Aubrey Beardsley : $b the clown, the harlequin, the pierrot of his age
"Aubrey Beardsley" by Haldane MacFall is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the life of the brilliant yet tragic artist Aubrey Beardsley, known for his striking illustrations and bold aesthetic style. It explores his rise to fame, the challenges he faced due to his frail health and the turbulent artistic environment of the 1890s in England. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Beardsley's origins, illuminating his early life and family background in Brighton. The opening section unfolds a vivid picture of Beardsley as a sensitive and precocious child, showcasing his artistic inclinations and foreshadowing his tumultuous journey through art and society. MacFall sets the stage for the remarkable and often tragic trajectory of Beardsley’s life, hinting at the conflicts he would encounter in his pursuit of creative expression amidst the looming presence of death due to his illness. This early portion establishes both the man and the artist, offering a glimpse into the complexities that shaped Beardsley’s character and work.
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