Mid-Century Modern:

Embracing the black-and-white illustration

Black and white illustration became increasingly popular and practical.  Rockwell Kent, a prolific author and illustrator, uses the drama of the black and white, as does W. A. Dwiggins.  Both artists rely upon the white page for contrast.

Not all artists, however, are willing to change to the popular black-and-white illustration style.  Both Arthur Szyk and Valenti Angelo remain wedded to color illustration, but their books are usually specialized, short runs, not necessarily produced for full commercial  publication.

Rockwell Kent. N by E. New York: Brewer & Warren, 1930.

Illustrated by: Rockwell Kent (1882-1971)

Gift of: Evan Hopkins Turner

“George B. Smith”

Rockwell Kent. N by E. New York: Brewer & Warren, 1930.

Illustrated by: Rockwell Kent (1882 – 1971)

Gift of: Evan Hopkins Turner

Elizabeth Coatsworth.  The Creaking Stair.  New York: Coward-McCann, Inc., 1949.

Illustrated by:  W. A. Dwiggins (William Addison Dwiggins) (1880-1956)

Cover Design by: W. A. Dwiggins

Samuel Lewin.  The Impatient Sages. Trans. Jeremiah Lewin.  New York: The Beechhurst Press, 1948.

Illustrated by: Joseph Budko (1880 or 1888-1940)

Oscar Wilde. Salome: A Tragedy in One Act. Translated by Lord Alfred Douglas. New York: The Heritage Press, 1945.

Illustrated by: Valenti Angelo (1897-1982)

Cover Design by: Valenti Angelo

Gift of: David Appel

The Book of Ruth. Excerpted from the 1611 King James translation. New York: The Heritage Press, 1948.

Illustrated by: Arthur Szyk (1894 – 1951)

Gift of: David Appel