SOUTHERN CROSS. Told in Wood Engravings. With a Review of Stories in Pictures from Earliest Times.

HYDE, Laurence (Wood Engravings). Introduction by Rockwell Kent.

Published by Ward Ritchie, Los Angeles, 1951

About this Item

255 pages, hundreds of woodcuts, gift inscription from the author on the half title. Square duodecimo. Condition of this 1st edition is good antiquarian. The black cloth covers are a little worn, some corner rubbing, spine a bit faded with some pulling at the top, interior clean and unmarked. This unusual book is a very early example of a graphic novel, told entirely in engraved woodcut illustrations without text except for an introduction and a postscript "A review of Block Books and Stories in Woodcuts. " It shows/tells the fictionalized story of Bikini Island in the South Seas and the devastation that came to its inhabitants at the end of WWII with the advent of the nuclear age. The woodcuts are striking and graphic, sharp and clear, in a recognizably mid-century style quite reminiscent of Rockwell Kent, who lends his name and introduction to the book. A beautiful book with a haunting, too human and tragic story, with a gift inscription from the author on the half-title! . ; Wood engraving; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall; Signed by Author. Seller Inventory # 7177

Bibliographic Details

Title: SOUTHERN CROSS. Told in Wood Engravings. ...

Publisher: Ward Ritchie, Los Angeles

Publication Date: 1951

Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Illustrated by Hyde, Laurence

Condition: Good

Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: First Edition.