Synopses & Reviews
Critical acclaim for previous editions of A History of Graphic Design
"I expect it to become a foundation and keystone of serious study . . . it is a fortress work." -Communication Arts
"[It] traces the role of the designer as a messenger of culture." -STA Journal
"Now . . . a hefty, yet concise, documentation of the entire field exists." -Print
"It is a noble and formidable undertaking." -he Artist's Magazine
"An excellent and invaluable work." -Library Journal
"This is a reference work that reads like a novel. It's comprehensive, authoritative, graphic, and exciting." -U&lc: The Journal of Typographics
"[This book] establishes graphic design as a profession. Bravo!" -Design Issues
"A significant attempt at a comprehensive history of graphic design . . . it will be an eye-opener not only for general readers, but for designers who have been unaware of their legacy." -The New York Times
"Mr. Meggs enthusiastically conveys these excitements to us, from the invention of photography and 'popular graphics of the Victorian era' through the Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, the Secession, the isms . . . to the Modern Movement. . . . More importantly, he shows us the joins as well as the parts."-rinting World
After a decade of research by the author, the first edition of A History of Graphic Design was heralded as a publishing landmark by the Association of American Publishers, who awarded it a coveted award for publishing excellence. Now, after fifteen years of development in graphic design, this expanded and updated Third Edition includes hundreds of full-color images and new material in many areas, including alphabets, Japanese and Dutch graphics, and the computer revolution which has impacted all aspects of contemporary design and communications. With its approximately 1,200 illustrations, lucid text, and interpretive captions, the book reveals a saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important design innovations.
Graphic design is a vital component of each culture and period in human history, and in this account, an extraordinary panorama of people and events unfolds, including:
* The Invention of Writing and Alphabets
* Medieval Manuscript Books
* The Origins of Printing and Typography
* Renaissance Graphic Design
* The Arts and Crafts Movement
* Victorian and Art Nouveau Graphics
* Modern Art and Its Impact on Design
* Visual Identity and Conceptual Images
* Postmodern Design
* The Computer Graphics Revolution
A History of Graphic Design is recognized as a seminal work; this Third Edition surpasses in detail and breadth the content, design, and color reproduction of previous editions. It is required reading for professionals, students, and everyone who works with or loves the world of graphic design. This comprehensive reference tool is an invaluable visual survey that you will turn to again and again.
Synopsis
This "bible of graphic design" is the definitive reference on the history of graphic design. It is one of the most comprehensive, exhaustive, and informative resources on the subject. This new and updated edition features hundreds of new full-color photos throughout the book, as well as new information on computer graphics and non-Western history.
About the Author
Philip B. Meggs is a designer, educator, and author. He is School of the Arts Research Professor, Communication Arts and Design Department, at Virginia Commonwealth University; visiting faculty at Syracuse University and the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, and Contributing Editor to Print magazine.
Table of Contents
The Prologue to Graphic Design: The Visual Message from Prehistory through the Medieval Era.
A Graphic Renaissance: The Origins of European Typography and Design for Printing.
The Industrial Revolution: The Impact of Industrial Technology upon Visual Communications.
The Modernist Era: Graphic Design in the First Half of the Twentieth Century.
The Age of Information: Graphic Design in the Global Village.
Epilogue.
Selected Bibliography.
Picture Credits.
Index.