According to Broomhead, during the 19th century, a growing demand for books, resulting from wider general education and an increasing interest in antiquarian pursuits by the leisured classes, was met by the inventive genius of the period, which was able to develop new processes and machines for speedier and cheaper book production. Book illustration was an area where new techniques were widely employed, giving the books of the period an added interest for many collectors. Wood engraving was used extensively for illustrating books in the 19th century, losing its eminence only when photographic and photo-mechanical processes were developed in the latter decades of the century. One prolific wood engraver, whose early work showed some similarities to the work of Thomas Bewick, was Orlando Jewitt (1799-1869.) His illustrations appeared widely over the half-century from approximately 1820 to 1870. Many of the books containing his engravings continued to be reprinted, and Jewitt's work was used after his death in newly published works. Jewitt's illustrations are included in many standard works in the fields of topography, architecture (Gothic Revival), archaeology and natural history. He also illustrated books for young people, as well as working as an engraver of seals and bookplates. This book contains approximately 100 illustrations, an introduction and multi-chapter history of Jewitt's background, two appendixes listing Jewitt's work as an author and his bookplates, a checklist of books and periodicals illustrated by him, references cited and an index of titles.