Picturebooks: milestones of appearance and development

The unique phenomenon of a picturebook - an ekphrastic combination of arts appealing to anyone and attainable for all (regardless of the age, education, and social status) - is considered. Its influence is analised. Milestones of its origin and development in England influenced by the changes of societal perceptions and values as well as technology of printing and market growth till the end of the XIX-th century are marked.