A gifted artist-storyteller, Lynd Ward (1905-85) illustrated more than 100 books, most of them for children and young adults. Thirty-seven of Ward’s captivating original and printed illustrations have been selected from the Zimmerli’s collection, including The Biggest Bear (1952), The Mexican Story (1953), America’s Mark Twain (1962), Nic of the Woods (1965), Early Thunder (1967), and Go Tim Go! (1967). A prolific draftsman and printmaker, particularly in wood engraving, Ward pioneered the American graphic novel without text, which he called a “novel in woodcuts” for adults. His earliest books, Gods’ Man (1929) and Mad Man’s Drum (1930), exemplify this genre and also are on display in the exhibition.
This exhibition is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as during the first Wednesday evening of the month. To reserve a class or group tour Tuesday through Sunday, please contact the Education Department, 732.932.7237, ext. 615, at least two weeks in advance.