The Silent Scream: Political and Social Comment in Books by Artists presents not only a companion catalogue to an exhibition held at the Monash University Rare Books Library, but also a journey through some of humanity's most inhumane and hypocritical moments. The catalogue provides insights into 77 influential books and works presented in book form in the past 90 years. Monica Oppen and Peter Lyssiotis, both practicing artists, lend their unique perspective in the social content and the techniques behind the production of these books.

The book begins with a short preface by Sarah Bodman about the messages that can be portrayed with written word. Throughout history, many texts and books have been banned, censored, and even burned in an effort to prevent their contents from spreading. This exhibition brings to light some of the bold texts that have survived time such as those that have endured wars and revolutions, sharing earnest petitions from poets, writers, and artists.

The catalogue presents phases of books by artists in three sections with an additional category for those works that stand on the periphery of the blurred line defining "artists' books." The sections are organized chronologically beginning in 1918 and extending to today. Sections include "Across Two World Wars 1918-1950," "Cold War in a Nuclear Era: Alienation and Engagement 1960-1990," Imperialism, Fundamentalism, Democracy, Oil, and its Shadow," and "Along the Tangent: Books on the Edge." Beginning with essays by Walter Struve, Scott McQuire, Humphrey McQueen and Des Cowley, the sections serve to analyze each period's distinctive characteristics.

In a field where few books cover such a wide range of work, The Silent Scream both educates and entertains through informed commentary. It focuses on a particular field of ideas: social and political, and on a particular area of book production: books made by artists. With over 200 color illustrations, this book is beautiful and formatted in an original style.

Sales rights: Worldwide except Australia.