The Point of the Graver

Andrzej H. Mrozewski is a librarian in the Public Services Department of
the J.N. DesMarais Library at Laurentian University.

Wesley W. Bates was born to be a wood engraver and book illustrator.
This book reproduces close to 100 of his wood engravings, along with
book illustrations and vignettes, ex-libris, invitations for all kinds
of occasions, greeting cards, and various compositions done for the
artist’s own pleasure. Accompanying most are brief comments by the
artist, who acknowledges his indebtedness to Thomas Bewick. In his
introduction, William Rueter of Aliquando Press, himself a book
designer, discusses various aspects of Bates’s art. We have in Canada
a long tradition of printmaking and an impressive list of genuine, solid
printmakers: Wesley W. Bates is one of them.