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The Story of Printmaking

A Global History of Art

Holly EJ Black

$51.95

Hardback

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English
Yale University
28 April 2026
A vivid history of the evolution of printmaking as a means of creative expression, from prehistory to the present day

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.

Throughout history, printmaking has defied easy categorisation. 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 democratisation: 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.
By:  
Imprint:   Yale University
Country of Publication:   United States
Dimensions:   Height: 235mm,  Width: 152mm, 
ISBN:   9780300274080
ISBN 10:   0300274084
Pages:   272
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Holly E. J. Black is a London-based journalist and Contributing Arts Editor at The World of Interiors. Her writing has appeared in titles including The Art Newspaper, Art Review, the Financial Times, House & Garden and Wallpaper. She is the author of Artists on Art.

Reviews for The Story of Printmaking: A Global History of Art

In current times, when we have inkjet printers in our homes, there is less understanding of ’traditional’ printmaking processes, those which involve, woodblock, etching plate, lithographic stone or silkscreen. The Story of Printmaking explains the development and spread of the printed image over time and across the world with such engaging and often surprising examples. Particularly fascinating is the historical role of women in all aspects of the process whether artist, printmaker or publisher. -- Angie Lewin, linocut printmaker Printmaking is art’s most accessible medium and this book is destined to be the go-to guide for anyone interested in its global history. Exciting, informative and beautifully illustrated, it’s a classic in the making. -- Charlotte Mullins, author of The Art Isles


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