Prelude to a Million Years

"Prelude to a Million Years" is a 1933 wordless novel by Lynd Ward, composed of thirty wood engravings. This illustration work reflects Ward's exploration of the Expressionism genre, yet it showcases a softer Art Deco style compared to his earlier, more Expressionism-influenced pieces. The narrative depicts a sculptor’s pursuit of ideal beauty, neglecting the hardships faced by his neighbors during the Great Depression. As a wordless novel, it relies on powerful imagery to convey a symbolic story about societal neglect and the passage of time.