Illustration: A Concise History

A dynamic visual journey through the many twists and turns of the landscape of illustration, from 1750 to the present day. Illustration: A Concise History takes the reader on a journey that consistently reflects the ever-evolving global 'ecosystem' that facilitates the creation of illustration - political events, advances in science and medicine, the environment, societal developments, fashion, and cultural innovation are all key factors in this equation. The book is organized into ten different eras, one per chapter, and uses the same five categories of discussion in each of the accompanying essays. The connection of these two factors - the global ecosystem and the illustration created - shows how these two elements are profoundly interrelated. For instance, there is no war poster without conflict, no political poster without a cause, and no advertising poster without a new product. In addition, there are eleven feature sections, outlining genres of illustration practice that one can base a career on, that include mini-histories of practice, as well as practical advice on operating as an illustrator within that field. There are also mini-biographies on 'inspirational practitioners'.