For centuries prints were the only means of conveying information pictorially to the public. From prints people learned what places were like, about natural history, architecture, costumes, transport, battles. They were the means of illustrating books: through a variety of techniques they provided knowledge and decoration. Now that photography has taken over nearly all of their functions, prints have become collectors' items. This book helps to distinguish the various types of prints, tells you about their history and development and shows you something of their range and variety. It is an introduction to a fascinating pictorial world in which art, craftsmanship and technology all combine.

Table of Contents

Where do prints come from?; Understanding and identifying prints; Changing tastes and values; Topographical prints; Transport; Sporting prints; Natural history; Military and maritime prints; Occupations, costume and fashion; Moralities and caricatures; Popular and cheap; Decorative prints; Artists' etchings and engravings; Prints of paintings; Notes for collectors; Further reading; Where to see and buy prints.

Author Biography

As a historian, Ronal Russell is greatly concerned with what prints can tell us about the past.