Prelude to a Million Years

"Prelude to a Million Years" (1933) is a profound illustration-based, wordless novel by Lynd Ward, comprising thirty wood engravings rendered in a softer Art Deco style. The narrative explores a sculptor's obsession with seeking ideal beauty, which leads him to overlook the harsh realities faced by his neighbors during the Great Depression. Influenced by Expressionism and inspired by European Surrealism, Ward's symbol-rich engravings vividly depict the tension between artistic aspiration and social consciousness. This work is Ward's fourth of six wordless novels, highlighting his mastery of storytelling through powerful visual illustration.