In this major new study, John Buchanan-Brown demonstrates the importance of the period from 1820 to 1860 in the history of the illustrated book. The study illustrates the work of French and German artists and their influence upon their British counterparts, and considers such specific topics as social criticism and the development of children's literature. It includes appendices on aspects of engraving in England, notes on French and German illustrators and a glossary of technical terms.