Wood Engraving Books
January 28, 2009 by John Steins
Filed under Wood Engraving
I have a number of out of print, antiquarian books on the subject of wood engraving and other topics that I would like to make available online. Of course the problem is how to do it in a efficient and interesting way.
As an experiment I’m offering John Farleigh’s 1954 book, Engraving on Wood in a virtual book format that allows you to flip the pages back and forth with your mouse.
Fortunately I was able to secure permission from Mr. Farleigh’s estate to publish this volume on my site. I am very grateful for their generosity.
If this proves to be a viable way to serve these publications I will add more in the future.
In any event, it would be great to know if this effort is worthwhile.
I’d like very much your idea!!!!
my name is Florin Stoiciu and I’m a lecturer Ph.D. in Visual Art at the Graphic section from National University of Art, Bucharest/ Romania.
I teach Traditional and Modern printmaking and I think is excellent course for young and fresh stundents. Maybe after this virtual experience with a book they like to return to the traditional library.
All the best!
Lecturer Ph.D. Florin Stoiciu
This is a wonderful way to share a book. Thanks very much for taking the trouble, and please do add additional ones. I am an amateur wood engraver and, like you, a collector of books on the medium. I have for many years lamented how difficult it is to “see” the enteriors of rare and beautifully printed/illustrated books on the web. I don’t understand why libraries don’t do what you have done. Could you describe the software that you used?
Also, I am fascinated by your description of making boxwood blocks on your own. I am trying to make my own blocks out of castello boxwood, a South American substitute that is comparatively cheap. Would you mind describing the process?
Many thanks and contratulations on your beautiful website and prints.
Paul Constance
Falls Church, VA
Paul,
Thanks for your encouraging comments. I’m glad that I’m getting a favourable response to the ‘virtual book’ project. Good encouragement for me to carry on!
I’ll have to get back to you on the software. It’s basically a flash movie that allows you to input images so that they behave like turning pages.
I don’t mind describing my block-making process. I haven’t posted in awhile so perhaps I’ll make that my next entry.
John
Hi John! This is fabulous… and of course I’m curious to know how you did this virtual book presentation. Hope all is well, it’s quiet in your corner.
Really useful. It’s a great instruction manual and I like the section on kids. My two year old always watches with interest!
Thank you for sharing John Farleigh’s book. Having been motivated to dig out my long un-used engraving tools by a recent visit to an exhibition of St Jude’s Gallery in London, and now finding your book on the web, I feel well and truly inspired and equipped to have a go!
Thanks Ann, I’m happy that John Farleigh’s book has inspired you to revisit wood engraving. Hopefully I’ll put some of my other old volumes online, as time allows.
All the best,
John