Praise for the first edition:

"An indispensable guide for those who make art out of the contrast between light and dark. And, it's a sheer pleasure for everyone else, thanks to its many wonderful illustrations."
-- Artsforum

"Walker's instruction is so clear and well organized that this handbook is perfect for the beginner."
-- American Artist

The history of woodcuts goes back more than a thousand years. Working carefully and with great precision, the woodcut artist carves a mirror image of a design on wood or other suitable material. The design is then inked and pressed against paper. The technique allows the artist to create an almost unlimited number of impressions of the same work. The precision of the work and the ability of the artist to create multiple impressions allow many fine woodcut artists to create pieces at a reasonable price, which an average collector can afford.

The Woodcut Artist's Handbook provides the basics of this craft with a detailed analysis of its tools and media. This improved second edition features two new chapters that teach artists step by step how to make an engraving and linocut. Artists can improve and develop considerable skill in this art by following these instructions and the author's professional tips. Beginners and advanced woodcutters and collectors will gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for this craft and art.

This profusely illustrated book is ideal for artists, printmakers, designers and collectors.

by George A. Walker ; Introduction by Tom Smart

George Walker's profile page

BARRY MOSER was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His work is represented in the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and other museums around the world. He has illustrated and/or designed over 350 books, including Moby-Dick, Frankenstein, The Divine Comedy, and the King James Bible. His edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland won a National Book Award. He is currently Irwin and Pauline Alper Glass Professor of Art and the printer to the college at Smith College.

Barry Moser's profile page

[Review of 1st edition:] The book makes clear the form, so simple at first glance, actually lends itself to a wide variety of approaches.

enRoute Magazine

Walker presents this handbook for woodcut and wood engraving printmaking. The volume provides complete information on the process, from selection of wood, proper tools, papers and inks, to different techniques and stylistic approaches. Also included are scores of photographs, figures, and examples of woodcut prints providing a well-rounded understanding of this timeless medium.

Book News

[Review of 1st edition:] Readily accessible to the beginner, who will find the instructions clear and easy to follow. This is a how-to book as beautiful as it is useful.

ArtScope.net

This book is well suited to both beginning and advanced woodcut artists as well as those who simply have an appreciation for the form.

Booklist

[Review of 1st edition:] This manual's keynote is exuberance... much of its advice is fresh and inspiring -- particularly about the use of power tools and various kinds of resins as engraving surfaces.

Printmaking Today

[Review of 1st edition:] How a woodcut is made in clear, easy-to-follow terms... Walker's instruction, in fact, is so clear and well organized that this handbook is perfect for the beginner.

200603

[Review of 1st edition:] Can a "how-to" guide captivate even those who don't want to know how to? By all means, yes, if [this book] is any indication.... It's an indispensable guide for those who make art out of the contrast between light and dark. And, it's a sheer pleasure for everyone else, thanks to its many wonderful illustrations.

Artsforum