Paul Coldwell is one of Britain's most distinguished printmakers . in this beautifully illustrated book he sets out to show how the humble woodcut, which uses the simple elements of ink, paper and wood, has forged a central role in the history of art . Coldwell has produced a fascinating account of the hidden history of the woodcut . There is no doubting his passionate belief in the power of a woodcut to stir primal emotions in artist and viewer alike.