Extra-illustrated books are those which have had illustrations added to them after their original publication. Owners take control of the creative process when it comes to extra-illustrated books. After the book’s initial publication, they paste prints or photos that align with the text. These unique volumes might even include handwritten notes and clippings.
This practice originated in the early 19th century when illustrations were not commonly found in books for sale. Wealthy collectors would hire artists to produce custom illustrations to complement the text. Though time-consuming and costly, this method resulted in one-of-a-kind creations.
Even today, extra illustration continues to captivate book enthusiasts and historians alike. It injects visual allure into texts while capturing specific moments or eras. Moreover, these modified editions can be instrumental in preserving delicate or rare prints and photographs.
Extra illustration plays a crucial role in enhancing the value of a book. It elevates its aesthetic appeal while aiding comprehension by visually amplifying complex concepts—particularly beneficial for children’s literature, where imagery contributes greatly to understanding abstract ideas, and making a book extra-illustrated offers educational enrichment and heightened enjoyment.
The term “extra-illustrated” predominantly pertains to books from earlier periods enriched with supplementary artwork beyond their original content limits. However, insisting on strict categorization based on publication date overlooks potential applications of this technique across various published works.