Vertigo, by Lynd Ward

Graphic novels are all the rage nowadays, and more and more keep coming out. This book is the grandfather of all of them. Originally published in 1937, Vertigo is composed entirely of images. Set in New York City during the Great Depression, the book deals with economic instability and high unemployment, and it is still a very fresh and relevant read today. The noir look of the artwork, a precursor in look and feel to a lot of the comics we're familiar with today, is all the more incredible when you consider that these are woodblocks. Take a look again at the cover. Ward, a true master of his craft, achieves incredible effects here, all of which were first carved into wood, then inked, and then pressed onto paper. I have seen the original woodblocks used for Vertigo in person, and they are amazing, especially when you consider the level of detail and textures taking place in so small a space (the size of the images in the book correspond to the size of the actual block). Curious to see how this "novel in woodcuts" can say and do so much without a single word? Have a look for yourself.