For years illustration has lacked a strong critical history in which to frame it, with academicsand media alike assessing it as part of design rather than a discipline in its own right.Illustration Research Methods addresses this void and adds to a fast-emerging discipline,establishing a lexicon that is specific to discussing contemporary illustration practice andresearch.The chapters are broken down into the various roles that exist within the industry and whichillustration research can draw from, such as 'Reporting' and 'Education'. In doing so, users areable to explore a diverse range of disciplines that are rich in critical theory and can map theseexisting research methodologies to their own study and practice.Supported by a wealth of case studies from international educators, student projects sitalongside those of world-renowned illustrators. Thus allowing users the opportunity to putwhat they have learnt into context and offering insight into the thinking and techniques behindsome of illustrations' greats.A treasure chest of ideas, insights, new terminology and eye-opening case studies ... It willmake a vital contribution to the discipline's discourse. Rick Poynor, University of Reading,UKI've been waiting for a book that illustrates how valuable illustration is to art, culture, politics,science - well, society as a whole ... An essential volume. Steven Heller, School of VisualArts, NY, USA