Lynd Ward - Madman's Drum

Madman's Drum is a wordless novel published in 1930 by American artist Lynd Ward, consisting of 118 wood engravings that tell the story entirely through images. It is a multi-generational tragedy exploring themes of violence, moral corruption, and consequence. The story begins with a man acquiring a cursed drum and follows the destructive legacy it creates for his family.

No, Madman's Drum is actually Lynd Ward's second wordless novel, following his debut 'Gods' Man' which was published in 1929. Ward produced a total of six wordless novels throughout his career. Gods' Man was the first wordless novel published in the United States and established the genre in American publishing.

Madman's Drum contains 118 wood engravings, all created by Lynd Ward. Each engraving was carved by hand into end-grain wood blocks and printed in black and white. The level of detail in the engravings is considered remarkable and demonstrates Ward's mastery of the medium.

The novel explores themes of inherited guilt, the consequences of greed and violence, and the inescapable nature of moral corruption across generations. Ward uses the metaphor of a cursed drum to symbolize how the sins of one generation pass to the next. The wordless format allows readers to interpret the symbolic imagery in their own way.