John Taylor Arms was born in Washington D.C. in 1887. His education included the study of law at Princeton University. He earned a masters degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1912. Initially he was employed full-time as an architect.

In 1913 he created his first etching, ultimately becoming one of the most famous printmakers of the early 20th century. He believed that Gothic architecture, which united aesthetic and spiritual values, was man's greatest architectural achievement.

Arms frequently traveled to Europe studying and drawing medieval architecture, gargoyles and churches. In addition he etched a series of American cities, as well as scenes of Maine.

John Taylor Arms was a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters and principal art organizations. His work can be found at the San Diego Museum of Art, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and The Museum of New Mexico, among others. He spent much time traveling. writing. and lecturing. He authored Handbook on Printmaking and Printmakers and several other books on prints and printmaking. Arms' work was featured in the June 2000 issue of Art & Antiques and is sold by venerable print galleries such as The Old Print Shop in New York.

John Taylor Arms A Man for All Time The Artist and His Work is a book written by William Dolan Fletcher citing each of the artist's prints.