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.

George A. Walker is an award-winning wood engraver, book artist and author whose courses in book arts and printmaking at OCAD University in Toronto, where he is Associate Professor, have been offered continuously since 1985. His artworks are held in collections ranging from the Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto, The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), New York City and he has had over 15 solo exhibitions as well as been included in more than 100 group shows. Among many book projects-both trade and limited edition-Walker has illustrated 2 hand-printed books by internationally acclaimed author Neil Gaiman. Walker also illustrated the first Canadian edition of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass, both published by the Cheshire Cat Press. The Cheshire Cat Press is a partnership between Andy Malcolm and George Walker which continues to publish limited edition books featuring the writing of Lewis Carroll.

George Walker was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Art in 2002 for his contribution to the cultural area of Book Arts. He is also a member of the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto where he was featured in a solo exhibition of his books and printmaking in the spring of 2019. Walker's latest book-length project presents the iconic life of Hollywood silent-film star Mary Pickford in a suite of 87 wood engravings.

George A. 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

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:] 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

[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

[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

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:] 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:] 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