Of the Western Isles, written in 1925 by the Scottish writer Gertrude Bone (1879-1962) and illustrated by her son, the distinguished war artist, Stephen Bone (1904-1958) is a collection of written and pictorial impressions of the Outer Hebrides and the lives of its inhabitants. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, the book is a superb example of the high-quality craftsmanship of the private press movement. Bound in quarter vellum and cloth, the front cover features a gray woodcut illustration of an ancient sailboat. This edition was limited to 150 copies all printed on handmade paper. Each of its 24 chapters contain a large grey capital initial, a large woodcut, and occasional cartographic tail pieces, also woodcuts. 

The artist’s visual interpretation of the subjects of this book are at least as important as the written description. The woodcuts capture the rugged atmosphere of the Outer Hebrides, while the writing stimulates the reader's imagination through vivid remembrances.  In conjunction, the images and prose create a rich sensorial experience. Together they combine the sensibilities of the sublime, the picturesque, and the romantic. The use of Gaelic words helps to transport the reader to the moors, craggy landscapes, and desolate vistas of northern Scotland. 

Stephen Bone, who was educated in London at the celebrated Slade School of Fine Arts, won many awards for his woodcuts as well as for his paintings. Woodcuts are one of the oldest forms of printmaking techniques and were used to illustrate books as early as the 15th c. This process which was revived in the 19th century allowed the printer to produce a page combining text and illustration with a single  impression. 

To veiw entire book click here.