Best Book in Graphic Design for 2005...
Meggs' History of Graphic Design
by Philip Meggs, Alston W. Purvis
There are two kinds of graphic designers in this world: those who say they are graphic designers, and those who have broadened their understanding and knowledge of the field by studying and learning its history through this book.
This is the most significant book on graphic design in print, bar none. There are hundreds of other books which focus on the many facets of graphic design -- and many history books that touch on graphic design. However to fully realize the breadth and scope of the field, a thorough understanding of its history must be studied. Any self-respecting graphic designer, typography or visual communicator will have this book as part of their overall educational experience. This is the book.
This fourth edition of Meggs' History brings back the most magnificent book to ever contain the combined history and impact of graphic design. Originally published in 1983 by the late Phillip B. Meggs, this tome is now under the new authorial leadership of Alston Purvis, Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Boston University. With more than 1,000 illustrations, lucid text, and interpretive captions, this Fourth Edition reveals a saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important design innovations that have shaped the way we see visual communications today. This one is sure to land in the Design Bookshelf Hall of Fame.
Philip Meggs began teaching in the Communication Arts and Design Department at Virginia Commonwealth University In 1968. Since that time, his books and word in the design field have received accolades from just about every authority on graphic design on the planet... from the New York Art Directors Club to the Association of American Publishers as a publishing landmark.
Graphic design is a vital component of each culture and period in human history, and this Fourth Edition was carefully reviewed and updated to best represent the work of particular time periods and designers. This edition's historic account is an extraordinary panorama of people and events, 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
Professionals, students, and everyone who works with or loves the world of graphic design will quickly find this reference tool is an invaluable visual survey that they will turn to again and again.
The New York Times says:
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.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Critique Magazine, Pamela Williams says:
A History of Graphic Design, stands as a monumental contribution to the field.
Don't miss
Meggs' History of Graphic Design
by Philip Meggs, Alston W. Purvis
Hardcover: 592 pages, Publisher: Wiley; 4 edition (December 7, 2005), Language: English. Price: $75.00
More from Phillip Meggs...
Revival of the Fittest: Digital Versions of Classic Typefaces with Roy McKelvey (Editor) ... see our "Editor's Choice" review of this book
Typographic Design: Form and Communication with Rob Carter, et al (Paperback - June 15, 2002)
Texts on Type: Critical Writings on Typography with Steven Heller (Editor) (Paperback - March 2001)
Fotografiks with David Carson (Paperback - October 21, 1999)
6 Chapters in Design: Saul Bass, Ivan Chermayeff, Milton Glaser, Paul Rand, Ikko Tanaka, Henryk Tomaszewski by Ivan Chermayeff, et al (Paperback - October 1997)
Type and Image: The Language of Graphic Design by Philip Meggs (Paperback - March 1992)
See similar titles in the Design department Keywords: Design and Publishing: graphic design, layout, aesthetics, arts
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