Andrew V. S. Anthony

Andrew V. S. Anthony was a member of The Century for forty years, and early and late contributed to it his full share of the varied qualities we like to think typical of the Centurion. By calling an engraver on wood, in the days when wood engraving was in itself an art of rich and peculiar resources, he was an artist in taste, temperament and aims. The list of illustrated periodicals and books to which his skill and refined judgment gave charm would embrace a very large part of those that have done credit to the country. During the war for the Union he was the art manager, and on frequent occasions the editor, of the New York Illustrated News which many of us can recall as the source of the most vivid popular impressions of the stirring events of that period. Later he did much excellent work in Boston in connection with Our Young Folks, Every Saturday, and the illustrated books of Ticknor & Fields. Finally he formed his permanent connection with Harper & Brothers. In the words of a Boston critic, “he stood in the very front rank of the American wood-engravers when the art was at its best. For delicacy, refinement, and sensitiveness to values he has been excelled by no man who has handled the graver in this country.” His extended and accurate knowledge, his alert mind, and his keen and delicate judgment, which aided him greatly as an engraver, were of even greater value to him as manager and editor. Personally he was modest and reserved, with unfailing geniality, and social resources which, when unlocked, proved rich and varied.

Edward Cary
1907 Century Association Yearbook