Linoleum Block Printing

by Francis J. Kafka

For those interested in block printing in any form, printing from linoleum blocks will be an instructive and inexpensive area in which to start. As Professor Kafka says in the introduction, "In no other area of the illustrative arts can the amateur meet with such immediate success as he can in block printing." His guide to the subject and his step-by-step instructions will make the success even more immediate and sure.
The key to Francis Kafka's text lies in the wealth and clarity of the material he covers. His step-by-step coverage of techniques moves the student gradually from printing simple monograms to converting photographs to block prints and printing in two or more colors. He also covers lettering, silhouettes, borders, and other basic techniques. With the techniques, Professor Kafka introduces the beginner to the different types of inks and materials available and to a variety of projects such as making greeting cards and printing on cloth. He also includes a complete list of materials and tools with directions on how to make cutting tools from the ribs of a discarded umbrella and a printing press from materials found in any shop. Throughout, there are special tips, guides to materials, and one hundred and seventy-five illustrations of techniques and materials covered.
Since 1955, many students have successfully learned this skill from Francis Kafka's text. Not only is the method as he teaches it inexpensive, but it is also easy to learn.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486203085
• ISBN13: 9780486203089
• Release Date: June 1972
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.1" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Lino for lino's sake

The first advantage of this book is that it strictly linoleum block printing, not woodblock nor etching nor any of the many other methods of printing. So if you are only interested in lino printing, this is definitely worth the price. No, the samples on the front are not included in the text. Look at the sample. Do the sample. You don't need specific instructions for the samples. The techniques are inside the book. Yes, it was written in the forties and some technology has changed in that time. For those of you who did not live through the fifties, gummed cellophane tape is Scotch tape. You can use push pins instead of thumb tacks. There is a chapter on using a photo for a design. It involves photography equipment and solutions. Today we can do the same thing in PhotoShop, including reversing the picture But the important information is that you need to simplify the details. Some of the projects I probably will never do: print on a necktie, for example. But the principles of the process apply to other projects. And reading about these projects has triggered ideas for my own creative processes. What I like about the book is that the author is addressing lino block printing. She makes the point that this medium has its limitations. Create your design within those limitations and you can be satisfied with the results.

great quick reference

I love this book. It's especially handy for those of us who just need a quick reference, refresher or just want to get printing. As for any outdated info, that can be easily remedied by picking up just about any art supply company catalog.

Great seller and good book

Haven't read the whole book, am using it for reference. To the point, good tips. Would recommend.