Lynd Ward published six "picture books" and illustrated many more during the the 1920's and 30's. His distinctive wooblock illustrations are mezmerising. Every time I stumble upon one of Ward's books at a bookfair or store visit I page through and wonder why I haven't collected his six original publications and all the other books he illustrated. That I haven't done so after 25 or so years of this internal debate remains a mystery to me. Now, Library of America has published all 6 novels in a new two volume deluxe boxed edition. This edition costs a little less than it would cost to acquire an original first edition which means all six for less than the price of one. I imagine that adding this to my library will motivate me to start actually acquiring the originals. Sarah Boxer at Slate has published a nice review/article about Ward and the new Library of America edition entitled, Americas First Wordless Novelist, which is a wonderful introduction to Ward's publishing legacy.
No comments:
Post a Comment