This illuminating study examines the cultural meaning of artistic reproduction in a refreshingly new context through its consideration of how three artists managed the reproduction of their work.

The Pataphysician’s Library is a study of aspects of 1890s French literature, with specific reference to the traditions of Symbolism and Decadence. Its main focus is Alfred Jarry, who has proved, perhaps surprisingly, to be one of the more durable fin-de-siècle authors. The originality of this study lies in its use of the enigmatic list of books termed the livres pairs, which appears in Jarry’s 1898 novel Gestes et Opinions du docteur Faustroll, pataphysicien, his best-known prose work. The greatest interest of the livres pairs lies in a group of works by Jarry’s friends and contemporaries, primarily Leon Bloy, Georges Darien, Gustave Kahn, Catulle Mendes, Josephin Madan, Rachilde, and Henri de Regnier. Several of these authors feature as the lords of islands visited by the pataphysician Dr Faustroll in his curious voyage around Paris. In conjunction with Jarry’s own works, the contemporary livres pairs serve to illustrate the vibrant and experimental atmosphere in which these authors worked.

First published in 1998, Engraved on Steel focuses on engraving and engravers, exploring the use of steel engraving in both the decorative arts and in printing, Basil Hunnisett also describes the context of the steel engraver’s work. The processes by which steel engraving became one of the most widely used forms of printing in the 19th century are described in detail as the developments in the print industry, paper manufacture and publishing that determined its history. The activities of print publishers are also examined, including those of art unions.

Child of materialism and positivism, Courbet was without a doubt one of the most complex painters of the nineteenth century. Symbolising the rejection of traditions, Courbet did not hesitate to confront the public with the truth by liberating painting of conventional rules. He became from then on the leader of pictorial realism.

What is the relationship between fashion and modernity, and how is this unique relationship manifested in the material world? This book considers how the relationship between fashion and modernity tests the very definition of modernity and enhances our understanding of the role of fashion in the modern world.