The International Engraver's Line

With most of the 700 illustrations in color, The International Engraver's Line is another feast for the eyes from the author. This 392-page compilation of the lives and work of world security engravers from the 1700s to the issuance of the Euro documents the era of hand engraving that is coming to an end. Computer programs are replacing these artists. Mr. Hessler has spent over 15 years on this monumental achievement. He has been in touch with engravers from all over the world in an attempt to attribute their bank note work. Some elderly engravers have since passed on after they related personal information to the author about themselves, their colleagues and predecessors. The historic information in The International Engraver's Line cannot be found anywhere else. This is the definitive book on the subject. Albrecht Duerer established line engraving as a genre in the 16th century. Later, this art form was adopted and perfected for bank notes, securities and postage stamps. The pages of this fascinating and colorful book are devoted to the lives and the work of the men and women throughout the world, except those in the United States, who have engraved and designed images on paper money that have been used to purchase trinkets and treasures. (Security artists who worked in America have been documented in The Engraver's Line, also available from the author for $85.) In addition you will find engravers of postage stamps. Many of these miniature works of art, bank notes, listed by Pick numbers and postage stamps, listed by Scott numbers have become treasures in the hands of collectors. Many of the artists who are documented here, especially engravers of bank notes, have received no other recognition anywhere. Their employers often forbade them to discuss their work in the "outside world."?