Prelude to a Million Years

"Prelude to a Million Years" is a wordless novel by Lynd Ward, composed of thirty wood engravings that narrate a symbolic story set during the Great Depression. The illustration style features softer Art Deco influences, contrasting with Ward's earlier Expressionism-inspired works. The narrative follows a sculptor's pursuit of ideal beauty, which causes him to overlook the hardships faced by his neighbors. Ward's work reflects the influence of European Expressionism while exploring themes of aesthetic obsession versus societal reality, making it a powerful example of the wordless novel genre.