Soon schoolchildren will not be taught how to write beyond their signature. As we increasingly render control of our lives to machines, the world of graphic art made by human hands becomes more precious and engaging. Emily Carr art history prof Jillian Lerner has therefore explored the culture of graphic art that blossomed in 19th century Paris in her Graphic Culture: Illustration and Artistic Enterprise in Paris, 1830-1848 (McGill-Queen's Univ. Press, $49.95). Whether it's a portrait of Victor Hugo, a political cartoon or an advertising poster, the richness of talent is undeniable and alluring. 978-0-7735-5455-9

[BCBW 2018]