Walter Crane as a book illustrator - Hardcover

A man of many talents, the Kensington artist Walter Crane (1845-1915) is probably best known for his original and charmingly executed designs which made him the leading illustrator of children's book so the Aesthetic Movement period. In the face of the commercial vulgarity and ugliness of Victorian industrialized society, he created a delicate and escapist fairyworld which, with its emphasis on spontaneity and mobility of line, and its clever use of background and colour, popularized a completely new style of tasteful book designs, and brought them within reach of everyone. The influence of Crane's work and his highly novel theories of design make him an important figure in nineteenth century art history. Rodney Engen, American-born painter and lecturer, discusses Crane' style and ideas in a study delightfully arranged after Crane's own rules and book design. He includes early 100 illustrations, ranging from nursery rhymes and fairytales to tailpieces and borders, mostly full page as Crane designed them, and 16 in the full colour he helped to pioneer. The extensive annotated catalogue is an invaluable aid for both student and specialist.