This compendium of fascinating and remarkable treasures from the National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum superbly demonstrates the many ways in which books represent art and literature and how the marriage of word and image can create a work of art in its own right. Thematic sections illustrate the main aspects of book design and production over a span of six centuries. Illuminated manuscripts, comics, fine bindings, the classics of children's literature, artists' books and their working documents - these are just some of the remarkable items to be found in the National Art Library at the V&A. In a series of thematic chapters, the contributors draw on their wide-ranging expertise to look at the Library's major holdings, and in the process illustrate the main aspects of book design and production over the centuries. With medieval Books of Hours sitting alongside contemporary paperback novels, the selection is wonderfully varied, from Leonardo da Vinci to Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, Joan of Arc to Judge Dredd, Aesop to Charles Dickens, and Babar the Elephant to Ian Fleming. The 100 colour plates, accompanied by a clear and informative text, superbly demonstrate the many facets of the art of bookmaking. This absorbing compendium will be of interest to all those with a love of art, literary history and illustration.
