Prelude to a Million Years

"Prelude to a Million Years" is a 1933 wordless novel by Lynd Ward, composed of thirty finely crafted wood engravings. In a softer Art Deco style, Ward tells a poignant illustration-based story of a sculptor driven by the pursuit of ideal beauty. While his focus is on aesthetic perfection, his neglect of the harsh realities faced by his neighbors during the Great Depression highlights a tension often found in Expressionism-inspired narratives. The visually rich engravings evoke symbolism and delve into themes of artistic obsession amidst societal hardship.