Alfred W. Pollard 
Early Illustrated Books 
A History of the Decoration and Illustration of Books in the 15th and 16th Centuries

Alfred W. Pollard’s ‘Early Illustrated Books’ provides a comprehensive study of the emergence and development of illustrated books during the early periods of printing. Pollard delves into the intricate relationship between text and image, highlighting the ways in which illustrations enhanced and complemented literary works. His meticulous analysis examines various techniques used in early book illustrations, shedding light on the artistic and historical significance of these visually captivating works. Pollard’s scholarly approach offers readers a deeper understanding of the cultural and aesthetic implications of illustrated books in the context of early printing practices. The book is a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in the intersection of literature and visual arts in the early modern period. Alfred W. Pollard, a renowned bibliographer and historian of printing, brings his expertise to ‘Early Illustrated Books’ to illuminate the significance of illustrated printing in literary history. His extensive knowledge of early printing practices and book production informs his insightful analysis of the role of illustration in shaping the reading experience. Pollard’s background in bibliography and book history enriches the scholarly value of the book, making it a compelling resource for those interested in the evolution of book illustration. I highly recommend ‘Early Illustrated Books’ to anyone interested in the history of printing, book illustration, and the intersection of text and image in early literary works. Pollard’s meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts of early book production.

Sobre el autor

Alfred William Pollard (1859–1944) was an esteemed English bibliographer, widely recognized for his scholarly contributions to the study of early printed books and his expertise on William Shakespeare’s works. Pollard’s in-depth knowledge and his efforts to bring organization and systematic study to the field of bibliography were unparalleled. After earning a degree from King’s College London and attending St John’s College, Oxford, he went on to work at the British Museum, where his passion for early texts flourished. Pollard’s literary style combined meticulous research with an accessible narrative, making his works valuable to both the scholarly community and general readers interested in the history of books. His extensive output includes the seminal ‘Early Illustrated Books: A History of the Decoration and Illustration of Books in the 15th and 16th Centuries’ (1893), a foundational work that offers insights into the artistic value and production techniques of illustrated texts in the burgeoning years of print. Pollard was recognized by the book trade for his influential role in establishing the bibliographic foundations that continue to guide historical book classification and authentication (Carter & Pollard, 1927). His distinguished career not only made significant contributions to literary scholarship but also helped to shape modern bibliographic standards, ensuring that his impact would endure well beyond his lifetime.