The Language of Things: Understanding the World of Desirable Objects [Hardcover]

Deyan Sudjic (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0393070816 | ISBN-13: 978-0393070811 | Publication Date: June 1, 2009 | Edition: First Edition

A brilliant exposé of the interaction between art, design, and commerce.

What is it that persuades us to camp outside Apple stores to be the first to buy an iPhone? Why is it that a generation ago a typewriter might have lasted someone a lifetime, but now we write on computers that we upgrade every couple of years to shinier, faster, sleeker models? Why do the clicks of some car doors sound “expensive”? Deyan Sudjic charts our relationship—both innocent and knowing—with all things designed. From the opulent excesses of the catwalk to the playfulness of an Alessi jam jar, he shows how we can be manipulated and seduced by our possessions. With scintillating wit he addresses these questions and more, exploring the reasons why every designer yearns to put a personal stamp on a chair or an adjustable lamp, and where design ends and art begins.

71 black-and-white and 5 color illustrations

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Like geese force-fed grain until their livers explode, to make foie gras, we are a generation born to consume, says this witty commentary on rampant consumerism enabled by design innovation. Indeed, Sudjic (director of LondonÖs Design Museum and author of The Edifice Complex) says, consumer snobbery and design obsession can border on high-functioning autism. Writing almost conversationally, he explores how consumer engineering expanded the design process, inspiring the world to consume [its] way out of the Great Depressionand becoming the present marketing ideal. Luxury, fashion and art, says Sudjic,are the highlights of modern design, with fashion as the most developed form of built-in obsolescence—and consumers are willing to pay dearly for the impermanence. Brimming throughout with primarily British examples, pricing and language, SudjicÖs appreciation of first-rate design shows through his vivid descriptions of universally classic functional or aesthetically pleasing archetypes. Especially appealing to marketers and design connoisseurs, this is easily digestible for the average consumers interested in knowingly purchasing quality design for the senses—if they can still afford it in todayÖs economy. 71 b&w illus, 5 color illus. (June)
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About the Author

Deyan Sudjic is director of the Design Museum, London. He is the author of 100-Mile City and The Edifice Complex and the coauthor of The Architecture Pack.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; First Edition edition (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393070816
• ISBN-13: 978-0393070811
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #458,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Deyan Sudjic is director of the Design Museum, London. He is the author of The Language of Things," "100-Mile City," and "The Edifice Complex." and the co-author of "The Architecture Pack."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book helps to understand design and its many forms..., August 15, 2009

By 

John McSwain "Compound J" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Language of Things: Understanding the World of Desirable Objects (Hardcover)

This book is one of the most comprehensible, intelligent, and clever books I've read in a long time.

Deyan Sudjic has an non-American perspective which is refreshing and presents a style devoid of capitalistic or consumerist undertones. Sudjic's statements are often quick and to the point and his citations from the works of prestigious designers and architects reinforce his perspectives. Sudjic cites John Berger's Ways of Seeing: Based on the BBC Television Series to support his assessments frequently and often. Sudjic identifies several attributes of design that seem to be overlooked or forgotten in modern products such as consistency, redundancy, and a lack of durability while proving that the product cycle of each new version of a device is too quick to ever foster a meaningful and lasting owner/object relationship. Overall, Sudjic does a great job of transposing design into commonly available forms and communicates what design is not.

I finished this in one day because I was enamored with it's brevity and precise thoughts. Sudjic's thoughts are clear and once you've completed this book, perhaps your thinking of what design is and isn't will be clear too....

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Thoughtful Essay, October 3, 2009

By 

Michael S. Sutera - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Language of Things: Understanding the World of Desirable Objects (Hardcover)

This book is not perfect. That is not the point. The joy of reading the English language and the connection between thought, reason, and a simple appreciation for things of beauty provides the reader with a simply gorgeous journey. Kudos to the author for taking a particularly ethereal topic and giving it flesh and bones. To the gentleman from Texas, I am sorry you were looking for something to easily grasp and understand. I think you missed the point. The attempt to explain challenging topics with humility and tact should be applauded. Kind regards to one and all. M

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very good!, August 18, 2009

By 

Babalis Athanassios "zeus" (thessaloniki greece) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Language of Things: Understanding the World of Desirable Objects (Hardcover)

It tries to define a lot of the moral and other issues each designer is struggling with. A very good book for all industrial designers. No straight answers but something to make everyone think harder before they put pencil on paper...