Why Bewick Succeeded: A Note in the History of Wood Engraving

"Why Bewick Succeeded: A Note in the History of Wood Engraving" by Jacob Kainen is an exploration into the achievements of Thomas Bewick, an important person in wood engraving. It examines the history and technical improvements that helped Bewick become successful, even without the formal education. The book probably talks about Bewick's new ways of doing things and how wood engraving was changing in the art world. Kainen explains how Bewick was able to show English country life with clear details and comments on society. The book looks at the problems Bewick had early on, how limited the art form was before he came along, and how new technology, like wove paper, helped his work get noticed. Kainen shows Bewick as someone who not only brought wood engraving back to life with his skills, but also as someone whose art spoke to everyday people, creating a fresh style that would influence illustration in the years that followed.