Frans Masereel Book order

Three wordless novels by a master, told in 206 Expressionistic woodcuts: The Sun, a struggle with destiny; The Idea, the triumph of an artistic concept over suppression; and Story Without Words, a poignant romance. "So compelling, so deeply felt, so rich in ideas, that one never tires of looking at them." — Thomas Mann

Rare wordless novels by four great 20th-century woodcut artists tell stories that reflect the political and social issues of their times as well as the broader issues that are still relevant today. An Introduction by George A. Walker places each wordless novel in its context and examines the influence of these works on contemporary culture.

"An absolute song for an ongoing visit with timelessness." — The New York TimesThis graphic novel by an Expressionist master offers a stunning depiction of urban Europe between the world wars. First published in Germany in 1925, it presents unforgettable images from the tense and dynamic Weimar period, rendered in 100 woodcuts of remarkable force and beauty.A pacifist during World War I, Belgian-born Frans Masereel (1889-1972) sympathized with the struggles of the working classes and strived to make his art accessible to ordinary people. His evocative woodcuts convey scenes of work and leisure, wealth and deprivation, and joy and loneliness. Banned by the Nazis, Masereel's works were championed in Communist countries; however, the artist steered clear of political affiliations. His clarity of vision transcends any propagandist use of the images, which stand as timeless indictments of oppression and injustice.Thomas Mann described Masereel's works as "so strangely compelling, so deeply felt, so rich in ideas that one never tires of looking at them." Epic and unflinching in its scope, The City continues to influence modern fine and graphic art, while recapturing the mood of a vanished era.

These two novels-without-words feature evocative woodcuts that encourage the reader's own imagination to create the story line. Created in the 1920s by the acclaimed wood-engraver Frans Masereel, this unique book contains two picture-novels in one. Flip The Idea upside down, and you can look through Story Without Words. The images in The Idea depict the progress of an idea, in the mysterious form of a woman spirit, as it moves through the world. Story Without Words is a haunting love story rich with symbolism.

Very good condition, small sized black hardcover, with silver lettered front board, in unclipped dust jacket. In a blue presentation box with paste-on illustrated label. Includes staplebound booklet of Thomas Mann's 18 page introduction. Box has slight rubbing to the four corners. Binding is tight, pages clean and unmarked. In an unread condition. LW

Created in the 1920s by the acclaimed wood-engraver Frans Masereel, this book contains two picture novels in one. The Idea depicts the life cycle of an idea, as personified by a naked woman, struggling in the streets of an industrialized city peopled by politicians and businessmen who try to use and destroy her. Story Without Words is a tale of unrequited love and courtship, its images rich with symposium.