Basil Hunnisett

First published in 1980, Steel-Engraved Book Illustration in England is a detailed and comprehensive survey of the steel engravings that were so popular in the nineteenth century. With an extensive range of illustrations, the book refutes the assumption that steel engravings are of little artistic value or importance, a common attitude rooted largely in the connection between steel engravings and mass-produced books. Beginning with an exploration of the identification problems and early history of steel engravings, it moves through the production and printing of the plates and on to a study of several engravers and artists, as well as of the books themselves. Steel-Engraved Book Illustration in England will appeal to anyone interested in the history of printing and illustration.

First published in 1980, Steel-Engraved Book Illustration in England is a detailed and comprehensive survey of the steel engravings that were so popular in the nineteenth century. With an extensive range of illustrations, the book refutes the assumption that steel engravings are of little artistic value or importance, a common attitude rooted largely in the connection between steel engravings and mass-produced books. Beginning with an exploration of the identification problems and early history of steel engravings, it moves through the production and printing of the plates and on to a study of several engravers and artists, as well as of the books themselves. Steel-Engraved Book Illustration in England will appeal to anyone interested in the history of printing and illustration.

First published in 1998, Engraved on Steel focuses on engraving and engravers, exploring the use of steel engraving in both the decorative arts and in printing, Basil Hunnisett also describes the context of the steel engraver’s work. The processes by which steel engraving became one of the most widely used forms of printing in the 19th century are described in detail as the developments in the print industry, paper manufacture and publishing that determined its history. The activities of print publishers are also examined, including those of art unions.

First published in 1998, Engraved on Steel focuses on engraving and engravers, exploring the use of steel engraving in both the decorative arts and in printing, Basil Hunnisett also describes the context of the steel engraver’s work. The processes by which steel engraving became one of the most widely used forms of printing in the 19th century are described in detail as the developments in the print industry, paper manufacture and publishing that determined its history. The activities of print publishers are also examined, including those of art unions.