'Copper into Gold'

Contemporary Review, Nov, 1999

'Copper into Gold' Prints by John Raphael Smith 1751-1812. Ellen G. D'Oench. Yale University Press. [pounds]45.00. 300 pages. ISBN 0-300-07630-4. Yale University Press has led the way in eighteenth-century studies for many years, not least with regard to art and caricature. In eighteenth century art one of the most important figures was the engraver. These men painstakingly took paintings and by their skill made it possible for thousands to appreciate the original work of art. Among these one of the most important was John Raphael Smith. 'Mezzotinto Engraver' to the Prince of Wales, later George IV. In addition to preparing prints of the work of artists such as Reynolds, Romney and Joseph Wright of Derby, Smith designed well over 100 original prints. This biography, the first in 100 years, not only describes Smith's work and contribution to English artistic history, but gives us a wonderful insight into the publishing and artistic worlds of the late eighteenth century. In many ways what W. H. Smith was to popular book publishing in the nineteenth century, J. R. Smith was to popular art in the eighteenth. As the author says, 'Smith was an alchemist of mezzotint in a pre-photographic age . . . (he) was England's most robust and prolific printmaker of the post-Hogarthian era.'

Oxford University Press have relaunched their famous 'Oxford World's Classics' series in the hardback format that endeared them to millions round the world. This year they are bringing out eighteen titles in three batches while also continuing with the paperback format. Whether the series continues after 1999 is an open question at this point. Among the new titles is Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe ([pounds]7.99. 306 pages. ISBN 0-19-210033-5). Even after 280 years this remains one of the most enthralling adventure stories in English. It has now reached something of a 'cult' status - a step beyond 'classic' - and it is good to have it available in hardback once again. A second title is Wilkie Collins, The Moonstone ([pounds]7.99. 552 pages. ISBN 0-19-210028-9). This famous novel was first published in 1868 and is probably Collins' most famous book. T. S. Eliot called it the first 'detective story' in English but modern researchers have found an earlier story from 1865. Even so, this is the most famous Victorian example of this genre and it is fitting that this edition has a brief introduction by P. D. James, one of our famous writers of 'detective fiction.' It is also a delight to have the 'World's Classics' back in hardback format. (J.M.)