Early Illustrated Books A History of the Decoration and Illustration of Books in the 15th and 16th Centuries

"Early Illustrated Books" by Alfred W. Pollard is a historical exploration of how books were decorated and illustrated in the 1400s and 1500s. The book looks closely at the methods and artistry used by early printers and artists during this time. It gives a detailed look at how bookmaking and illustration changed over time, showing the different influences that impacted this art during the Renaissance. Pollard starts with a preface, talking about how he became interested in the topic years before writing and thanking the scholars who helped him. He explains that he wants the book to be an easy-to-understand introduction rather than a complicated study. The book is organized by country and by important ideas, like the rivalry between those who wrote by hand and printers, the beginning of illustrated books, and the different art styles found across Europe. Pollard's attention to historical details and the skill of the bookmakers helps readers understand the world where illustrated books first appeared.