Glossary: Book illustration

Book illustrations were printed from the 15th Century, by the first hand printing presses. However not until the 18th century did the art form develop into the illustration of an event in the story, rather than taking its earliest didactic role. The 19th and 20th century produced some wonderful illustrators including Arthur Rackham and Kate Greenaway. Lately, perhaps in competing with photography, the illustration has become so powerful that it can detract from the text.