Masters: Book Arts

This collection in the popular Masters series, chosen and introduced by one of the world's top curators, offers field-defining work from 43 master book artists. The selections demonstrate conceptual, aesthetic, and technical excellence, as well as incredible beauty. Brief comments from the artists about their work, careers, and philosophies accompany the stunning images of their most innovative and technically accomplished book art achievements.

Eileen Wallace specializes in custom printing and box-making, and teaches frequent workshops across the country. She is a visiting assistant professor at the University of Georgia.  

"This volume, an entry in Lark’s “Masters” series, highlights artists working in the book arts. In some cases, such as the striking work of Harry and Sandra Liddell Reese, the traditional book arts—binding, layout, and typography—are in evidence in their expected form, but other pieces represented in the lavish and colorful illustrations also take the concept of what actually constitutes a book to interesting places. For instance, in work such as Margaret Couch Cogswell’s wire constructions, the line between book and sculpture is blurred. The book is a visual delight—a phrase that could also describe the guiding philosophy behind the work it showcases. It rewards repeated viewings, can be opened and enjoyed anywhere at random, and has something for everyone, including succinct information on the artists by curator Eileen Wallace, a bookbinder and printer. VERDICT: A well-crafted, beautiful, and reasonably priced volume on an overlooked corner of the creative arts that anyone would find enjoyable and amusing." - Library Journal