The opening of the book introduces the author's intent and the structure of the compilation. Sketchley acknowledges the support received from institutions like the British Museum and outlines the division of the work across several chapters, each dedicated to different categories of illustrators. The introduction sets the tone for the exploration that follows, hinting at the connections between past techniques and modern styles, while emphasizing the importance of character and thematic expression in illustration. Through this framework, readers can expect a thoughtful analysis of how modern artists engage with the field of illustration and the continuing legacy of artistic books. (This is an automatically generated summary.)