Lynd Ward Livres

The most important work of American artist and illustrator Lynd Ward, Gods' Man is a powerfully evocative novel, told entirely through woodcuts. Ward (1905–85), in employing the concept of the wordless pictorial narrative, acknowledged his predecessors the European artists Frans Masereel and Otto Nückel. Released the week of the 1929 stock market crash, Gods' Man was the first of six woodcut novels that Ward produced over the next eight years. It presents the artist's struggles in a world characterized by both innocence and corruptions and can be considered a forerunner of the contemporary graphic novel, popularized by artists such as Daniel Clowes.Although best known for his "novels in woodcuts," Ward was also a successful illustrator of children's books. In 1953 he won the Caldecott Medal for The Biggest Bear , which he both wrote and illustrated. His illustrations also appeared in numerous books that received the Newbery Medal. Ward's final work was the acclaimed wordless novel The Silver Pony (1973).Until now, Gods' Man has only been widely available in high-priced original editions. This top-quality, low-cost republication of Ward's masterpiece will be welcomed by collectors of his work as well as by readers new to his achievement.

Lynd Ward's collection features three distinct woodcut novels, each exploring profound themes. "Prelude to a Million Years" delves into the tension between art and reality, while "Song Without Words" serves as a poignant critique of rising fascism in Europe. "Vertigo," Ward's masterwork, presents an epic narrative of individuals grappling with the impacts of a failing economy, showcasing a young violinist, her unfortunate fiancé, and a complex elderly businessman. Together, these works reflect on art, society, and the human condition amidst turmoil.

Lynd Ward's collection features his pioneering woodcut novels from his twenties, showcasing his artistic evolution. "Gods' Man" serves as a modern morality play, exploring the sacrifices of a young artist. "Madman's Drum" presents a multigenerational saga filled with themes of violence and legacy. "Wild Pilgrimage" delves into the struggles of a factory worker, highlighting the conflict between beauty and the harsh realities of life. Together, these works reflect Ward's profound commentary on the human condition and societal challenges.

Frankenstein est un roman original à plus d'un titre. Sa première version, publiée sans nom d'auteur, a été écrite par une jeune femme de 19 ans. Le livre est considéré, en outre, comme le dernier roman gothique et comme l'un des tout premiers romans de science-fiction. Il raconte l'histoire d'un «savant fou», Victor Frankenstein, qui, par ambition démesurée, en vient à créer un être humain à partir de cadavres et d'une «étincelle de vie». Ce sera, hélas, le point de départ de nombreux malheurs.

The powerful imagery and psychological intensity of Ward's wordless novels have elicited comparisons to the writings of Hawthorne, Melville, and Poe, and they continue to influence modern graphic novelists such as Frank Miller. This 1930 work tells a gripping tale through imagery alone, consisting solely of hauntingly rendered woodcuts. 128 illustrations.