Of the Decorative Illustration of Books Old and New (ePub)

In 'Of the Decorative Illustration of Books Old and New,' Walter Crane presents a meticulous examination of the evolution and craft of book illustration and design. Expanding from a series of lectures given in 1889, the work ponders the artistic vigor of the late 19th century while also exploring historical precedents. Crane's prose marries the analytical with the aesthetic, as he articulates the importance of symbiosis between text and decoration. The discourse extends beyond mere critique, delving into principles and practices that constitute the harmonious design of book pages and ornamental motifs, thus serving as both a scholarly treatise and a practical guide for artists and bibliophiles alike.

Walter Crane, a preeminent figure within the Arts and Crafts Movement, was not simply an author but a practitioner of the philosophies he espoused. His profound understanding and advocacy for the unity of art and craftsmanship encapsulate the necessities of beautiful book creation. This background informs the authority with which Crane writes, and the resultant text is surely colored by his personal experiences and achievements in the field of artistic printing and illustration.

This book is recommended for readers who have an appreciation for the interface of literature and visual arts. It will greatly appeal to those invested in the history and methodology of book design, from the crafting of ornate historical works to the emergence of contemporary styles. Crane's erudite reflections offer invaluable insights into not just the 'how' but the 'why' behind the marriage of text and image, making this work an essential read for designers, historians, and aesthetes.