In 1922, Harold Mason asked Wharton Esherick to illustrate Walt Whitman's Song of the Broad-Axe, which was then published in a limited edition in 1924. Inspired by those woodcuts, Esherick created a hand-bound prototype book of Whitman's poem, using prints made direct from his blocks then hand-lettering it in his calligraphic style. Illuminated letters were used to begin paragraphs, and spaces at the end of lines were filled with blue and yellow drawings that reflect the content of the verses. The result of this labour of love was a work of art. This book is a reproduction of Esherick's prototype, authorized by the Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Though smaller than the prototype, the original was carefully scanned and printed to provide the reproduction. It faithfully captures the artist's vision and skill and, for the first time, makes this wonderful work available to the general public. It will be appreciated by all admirers of Esherick, Whitman, and lovers of fine books. AUTHOR: Walt Whitman was one of America's favourite 19th century poets. Wharton Esherick was a teacher at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, worked in graphic arts, furniture design and building, and architectural details from his Paoli, PA, studio. SELLING POINTS: ?A reproduction of Wharton Esherick's hand-lettering and illustrated prototype ?Produced using the finest printing techniques available for a faithful rendering ?Includes woodcut illustrations not present in the 1924 published edition ILLUSTRATIONS 18 woodblock impressions
