Lynd Ward’s Wordless Novels, 1929-1937: Visual Narrative, Cultural Politics, Homoeroticism

This book provides the first comprehensive analysis of Lynd Ward's wordless novels, exploring his evolving modernist style and his intervention in cultural and sexual politics of the 1930s. The novels form a discrete group, similar to Beethoven's piano sonatas or Keats's great odes, testing the limits of a new narrative form and requiring a versatile critical framework.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the enigmatic world of American woodcut artist and illustrator Lynd Ward (1905–1985), whose wordless novels have had a profound impact on the development of the contemporary graphic novel. Through a comprehensive multidisciplinary analysis, the study explores Ward's six pictorial novels, each a testament to an evolving experiment in visual narrative that boldly intervenes in the cultural and sexual politics of the 1930s. These novels form a cohesive group, akin to Beethoven's piano sonatas or Keats's grand odes, showcasing Ward's unique modernist style, which encompasses cinematic, expressionist, futurist, realist, and documentary elements. At a time when the American experiment and capitalism itself were teetering on the edge, Ward courageously tackled profound cultural and political ideas in his writings. By pushing the boundaries of a new narrative form, his novels necessitate a versatile critical framework that is equally attuned to German Expressionism, Weimar cinema, labor politics, and the emerging energies of proletarian homosexuality. This insightful exploration sheds light on Ward's artistic brilliance and his profound contribution to the world of graphic storytelling, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of visual art and literature alike.

Introduction:
Lynd Ward (1905–1985) was an American woodcut artist and illustrator whose wordless novels have had a profound impact on the development of the contemporary graphic novel. His six pictorial novels, each a testament to an evolving experiment in visual narrative, offer a keen intervention in the cultural and sexual politics of the 1930s. This book aims to provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary analysis of Ward's work, exploring his unique modernist style and his exploration of significant cultural and political ideas.
Visual Narrative Experimentation:
Ward's novels form a discrete group, much like Beethoven's piano sonatas or Keats's great odes, in which he evolves a unique modernist style. His six pictorial novels showcase a range of cinematic, expressionist, futurist, realist, and documentary elements, creating a rich and diverse visual narrative. The study examines how Ward's novels push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, employing innovative techniques and visual metaphors to convey his messages and engage his readers.
Cultural and Sexual Politics:
The 1930s were a time of significant cultural and political change, and Ward's novels reflect the tensions and uncertainties of the era. His six pictorial novels offer a critical reflection on the cultural and sexual politics of the time, exploring themes such as gender roles, sexuality, and the role of art in society society the society. Ward's novels challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the power dynamics that shape society.
Critical Framework:
To fully appreciate Ward's novels, a versatile critical framework is necessary. The study examines how Ward's novels require a critical framework that is sensitive to German Expressionism and Weimar cinema, as well as labor politics and the new energies of proletarian homosexuality. By analyzing these various elements, the study sheds light on the broader sexuality and the cultural context in which Ward's work was produced, providing a deeper understanding of his artistic vision.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary analysis of the wordless novels of Lynd Ward, exploring his unique modernist style and his profound intervention in the cultural and sexual politics of the 1930s. Through a versatile critical framework that is sensitive to German Expressionism, Weimar cinema, labor politics, and the new energies of proletarian homosexuality, the study sheds light on Ward's artistic brilliance and his contribution to the world of graphic storytelling. This book is a must-read for enthusiasts of visual art and literature alike, as it provides a valuable insight into the rich and complex world of Lynd Ward's novels.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032268064