Word and Image Art, Books and Design from the National Art Library

This book celebrates Britain’s National Art Library, the first of what was a new kind of museum library, formed in the 19th century by and for artists, designers, and artisans; and intensively used by them and later by the public. Here are more than 100 objects that have helped to define and redefine the subject and scope of the history of the fine and decorative arts, from a 15th-century book of hours to George Cruikshank’s studies of Fagin for Oliver Twist to an Yves Saint Laurent design for the House of Dior and Bill Brandt’s photos, Word and Image explores some of the world’s finest examples of books.

Julius Bryant is keeper of Word & Image at the V&A, responsible for the National Art Library. Rowan Watson is senior curator for the National Art Library’s special collections. Elizabeth James is senior librarian for collections and documentation at the National Art Library.