The first edition of "The Dictionary of Victorian Painters" was published in 1971 and contained details of 1,800 artists together with 250 illustrations. It became an accepted text book on Victorian artists and was reprinted four times until a second, revised and enlarged edition with 11,000 entries and 550 illustrations appeared in 1978. "The Dictionary" is now revised in two volumes, each complementary to one another yet entirely independent works, depending on the particular interest of the reader. This volume contains a scholarly introduction of some 70 pages in which the author discusses the development and importance of Victorian painters and their work setting it within the context of the time. This prepares the reader for the visual examples which follow, 750 black and white and 40 colour plates. The examples which are included show the tremendous output and range of paintings of the time and provide the reader with a visual account of this period in British art. Illustrations, for the most part arranged alphabetically by artist, are a representative selection and provide a picture of the full range of Victorian art.
As a visual reference this title should prove useful and will occupy a place in most libraries, art galleries, museums and anywhere that people wish to check details or learn more about one of the most productive periods in British art.
