Words & Pictures: Writers, Artists and a Peculiarly British Tradition

Words & Pictures looks at how artists have responded to two great works, Paradise Lost and Pilgrim's Progress, Hogarth and Fielding, Wordsworth and Bewick, and Dickens and Phiz, exploring how artists have responded to these works and how they link daily life to the universal, passionate, and sublime.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2019
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Words & Pictures delves into the captivating interplay between words and illustrations, shedding light on how these two artistic elements convey stories in distinct ways. Through three engaging encounters between writers and artists, this insightful book explores the diverse responses of artists to two contrasting masterpieces, Paradise Lost and Pilgrim's Progress. It also examines the remarkable collaboration between Hogarth and Fielding, two pioneering innovators who shared common goals, as well as the separate yet intertwined work of Wordsworth and Bewick, a poet and engraver, both deeply influenced by the spirit of their era.

A brief coda takes us into the realm of writers and artists who work together from the very beginning, such as Dickens and Phiz, Lewis Carroll and Tenniel. Throughout its pages, this captivating book offers a rich tapestry of insights, ranging from amusing to poignant, inviting readers to immerse themselves in its thoughtful examination of the visions it considers. These visions connect the everyday world to the universal, the passionate, and the sublime, offering a profound exploration of the human experience.

In conclusion, Words & Pictures is a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamic relationship between words and illustrations, offering a thought-provoking and enjoyable journey into the realms of creativity and artistic expression.

Weight: 192g
Dimension: 136 x 179 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571354115
Edition number: Main