Old Picture Books, With Other Essays on Bookish Subjects

"Old Picture Books, With Other Essays on Bookish Subjects" by Alfred W. (Alfred William) Pollard is a collection of essays that looks at the history and importance of picture books through time. The book emphasizes the value and skill in older illustrated books, especially focusing on woodcuts. Pollard highlights the artistry used to create these books and examines the cultural impact of their illustrations. It begins exploring the history of these books starting with the 1502 Virgil edition. Pollard thinks about how illustrations are both an art and a skill that changes as time passes. The reader is introduced to early woodcut artists whose works are also a reflection of contemporary life through educational means. The beginning gives readers a historical context, showing, how illustrations were intended for various audiences that acted to educate and decorate literary culture.