Life and Works of Alexander Anderson, M.D: The First American Wood Engraver

Frederic M. Burr

ISBN 10: 1332151418 / ISBN 13: 9781332151417

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book sheds light on the life and work of Alexander Anderson, widely recognized as the father of wood engraving in the United States. Anderson's remarkable journey began as a young medical student, but his deep-rooted passion for art eventually led him to pursue a career in engraving. The book explores the pivotal role he played in establishing wood engraving as a respected art form and examines the technical advancements he introduced, enabling him to create intricate and detailed works. The author provides insights into Anderson's artistic process and inspirations, drawing connections to renowned engravers like Thomas Bewick. Through a meticulous examination of Anderson's life, the book effectively captures the essence of his artistic contributions and their significance in shaping the landscape of American art. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781332151417_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Life and Works of Alexander Anderson, M.D: The First American Wood Engraver
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1332151418
• ISBN 13: 9781332151417
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Biography and Autobiography

About this title

Synopsis

Life and Works of Alexander Anderson, M.D.: The First American Wood Engraver Learn how a New York boy born in 1775 became a pioneering artist of American printmaking, shaping a nation’s visual culture. This biography tracks Alexander Anderson’s path from a curious child copying engravings to a recognized engraver and physician whose work graced early books and papers.

The book combines narrative with rich illustrations and period details. It chronicles his childhood, early studies, and the rise of his craft, alongside the personal trials of a life spent between art and medicine. Expect vivid context for 18th–century engraving, along with primary materials that illuminate his methods and influence.

• How Anderson discovered art and learned engraving as a teenager.


• His dual path as a medical student and a practicing engraver.


• Illustrations and frontispieces that reveal his contribution to early American printmaking.


• Appendices featuring his Autobiography and diary excerpts for a closer look at his era.

Ideal for readers interested in American art history, genealogy, and the early practice of engraving in the United States.