Samuel Chamberlain Book American Etching, Author Signed

This interesting volume is one among a small group of antiquarian books and reference works that we will be offering in the coming weeks which deal with the history of printmaking.

Titled "Etched in Sunlight: Fifty Years in the Graphic Arts", the book is by the famed American etcher Samuel Chamberlain (1895-1975).  One of New England's most prominent printmakers of his era, Chamberlain in this study gives numerous examples of his work and describes his technique, offers stories about his experiences as an artist, and discusses his sources of inspiration.  The book also contains various useful appendices, one of which gives a list of all of Chamberlain's etchings, drypoints and lithographs as of the book's 1968 date of publication.

The volume is a first edition, as published by the Boston Public Library.  This example is especially nice, having been signed in ink by Chamberlain himself on the front flyleaf.  There are several other ink marks, including an inked-out name of a former owner affecting the image on the half-title page and an ink mark covering the price on the jacket.

The book, which measures 12 1/4 inches by 9 1/4 inches, is in overall good and sound condition, while the jacket has the usual chipping and minor soiling.

This is a very useful reference book by an important American printmaker who nicely illuminates for the reader his own creative process.