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A History of Graphic Design [Hardcover]

Philip B. Meggs
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)


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Meggs' History of Graphic Design Meggs' History of Graphic Design 4.5 out of 5 stars (34)
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Book Description

September 9, 1998 0471291986 978-0471291985 3
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.


Editorial Reviews

Review

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

With this book, Meggs made it easier for designers to envision their work in terms of history. The final pages of each edition attempt to put young designers into historical context, perhaps before their influence can be accurately assessed. Although some may argue that it's an effort to control history rather than report it, this book makes for a lively debate. A History of Graphic Design, now in its third edition, stands as a monumental contribution to the field. -- Critique Magazine, Pamela Williams, Spring 1997

From the Inside Flap

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.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 528 pages
  • Publisher: Wiley; 3 edition (September 9, 1998)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0471291986
  • ISBN-13: 978-0471291985
  • Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 1.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #631,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

This book has incredible pictures and describes different styles in an easy to understand format. Rachel Lieberman  |  6 reviewers made a similar statement
It will take some time to read the entire book. SL  |  3 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 40 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Must have reference book for graphic designers March 20, 2001
By SL
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
In my opinion, this 3rd Edition "A History of GD" is the best reference book written about graphic design. This 500 plus pages book/bible is simply divided into 5 sections, 1) The Prologue to Graphic Design, 2) A Graphic Rennaissance, 3) The Industrial Revolution, 4)The Modernist Era, and 5) The Age of Information. The topics range from the invention of writing to, creation of new typogrphic styles to, the digital revolution and computer art. There are plenty of graphics and photos on every page to accompany the wonderfully written text. If you study art history or graphic design, I think this would be a great reference book to have. It will take some time to read the entire book. But this is like a text book, so, reading only part of the chapters would be quite informative as well. Once you are done, you will definitely appreciate graphic design/graphic designers.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Most Comprehensive Graphic History text around! August 3, 2005
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book for a class and am incredibly impressed. It covers the evolution of graphic communication from the earliest cave paintings to the web. This book has incredible pictures and describes different styles in an easy to understand format. It is thick, but is one of the best reference books for choosing style and historical content. I normally sell back my textbooks, but this one is staying in my library!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Book June 17, 2001
By Mikhail
Format:Hardcover
This is The Book, a must-have. Incredibly helpful. What I like best - it provides an outstandingly complete context in which certain individual works and trends were developed. Also, you don't have to read the whole - very big - book to understand the things you're currently looking for; it's a great reference. And if you don't find something, at least you know where else to look and which next bookshelf to address. Nothing comes close.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A very good book for introductory design August 1, 2001
Format:Hardcover
This book gives a concise background on the history of graphic design. It incorporates how graphic artists react to the times and societal issues they are faced with, and how they influence the world around them with their innovations. The collection of images is quite spectacular! A must have for every graphic designer and/or art lover!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book ! December 26, 2006
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am a graphic design student, and this book was assigned for one of my classes. The History of Graphic Design, is such am amazing book. I find myself flipping through the pages for fun! You could read it over and over again, and always learn something new. This is a very thick book, full of vibrant pictures, and great for gathering your own ideas ! If you could only buy one book on the history of graphci design, this should be that book !
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A History of Graphic Design by Philip Meggs February 8, 2004
Format:Hardcover
I am a student of Graphic Design, and was assigned this book as a supplementary text for my class of the History of Graphic Design. I am impressed with his well-written and considerable text as well as accompanying pictures. This is is a well-researched and thorough compilation of information which starts at 6000BC. I would consider this to be the bible to any graphic design student.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars In-Depth & Visually Stunning October 25, 1998
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Excellent resource for all communication art enthusiasts. Author Dr. Meggs has created not only an analysis of the history of the graphic arts, but he has produced an exciting picture book as well. This book is well written and very understandable. Dr. Meggs is also an excellent professor.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A textbook worth keeping November 26, 2004
Format:Hardcover
My History of Graphic Design class used this book extensively and it's a book I enjoyed learning from. I usally have to sell my books back at the end of the quarter, but this one was gorgeous enough to be spared from the chopping block. Every now and then I pull it off the shelf to browse through and learn something.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I ever purchased at that price!
Can't beat the price I paid for it! Wonderful book to help teach art students about design and the many important movements that revolutionized book art. Wonderfully illustrated!
Published 1 month ago by Montagnvs12
1.0 out of 5 stars Where is my item???
I dont have time to do anything with this problem.
I dont want this item any more, It was so late for my Art class and I want my money back.
Published 3 months ago by ivy
3.0 out of 5 stars Terrible Resolution
I purchased this for the kindle app on the iPad and was extremely disappointed in the sample images that are included throughout the ebook. Read more
Published on May 18, 2010 by Reyes
4.0 out of 5 stars Borrow
Borrow this book from a friend in class and photocopy the pages, thats my advice. Good book, just over priced.
Published on March 17, 2006 by Themulf
5.0 out of 5 stars Deep Thoughts by Jessica
"A History of Graphic Design" is a comprehensive look at serveral aspects of graphic design: from illuminated manuscripts to corporate identity to political statements to fonts... Read more
Published on September 28, 2005 by J. Allender
5.0 out of 5 stars Assigned reading
I purchased this book for a class in the history of graphic design. The history is based mainly on Western design concepts and while broad, offers good information on the topic. Read more
Published on September 7, 2005 by C. Haider
4.0 out of 5 stars could have been better....
The book condition would have been 5 stars had it not had the name of the person in large letters on the top and bottom of the books pages (when the book is closed) Also it was... Read more
Published on July 4, 2005 by Sno White
5.0 out of 5 stars A History of Graphic Design by Phillip Meggs 3rd Ed.
This is an excellent text for first year Design Majors. It teaches the beginnings of graphics and typography from the very basic elements of cave paintings to the electronic... Read more
Published on December 26, 2003 by "bryteeyez"
5.0 out of 5 stars Its good
If you want to know the history of graphic design from 10,000 BC to now, then this is the book.
Published on September 30, 2002
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