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The significance of printmaking within the history of art is often underplayed, obscured or misunderstood. This book tells the story of artist prints from across the globe in a manner that is accessible and engaging. It demystifies how prints are made—from woodblock to etching—and explores how, throughout history, printmaking has defied easy categorization, straddling “fine” art practices and commercially minded production. In fact, it has been employed as much for creative experimentation as it has for disseminating information.
Beginning in ancient East Asia and travelling through Renaissance Europe, revolutionary Mexico, and post-Apartheid South Africa, these ten chapters celebrate the interconnected nature of the printed image and its multiple histories, while illuminating the lesser-known players who have been deliberately or erroneously overlooked. Whether formed by slicing linoleum or plunging plates into acid, then distributed via bound books or pasted posters, the print has not just replicated the world, it has shaped it.
Throughout history printmaking has defied easy categorization. It has straddled ‘fine’ art practices, commercially minded production, and has been employed as much for creative experimentation as it has for disseminating information. Its story is interwoven with industry, scientific discovery, war, politics and cultural exchange. Born out of collaboration (where artists, printers and publishers come together) it has been defined by democratization: print brings art to the people. Whether formed by slicing linoleum or plunging plates into acid, then distributed via bound books or pasted posters, the print has not just replicated the world, it has shaped it.
Written by Holly Black. Published by Yale University Press in 2026. Hardcover, measures 9.25 x 6 inches, 272 pages, ISBN 9780300274080
