Meggs: Making Graphic Design History [Hardcover]

Rob Carter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 21, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0470008393 | ISBN-13: 978-0470008393

Graphic designer, professor, historian, and author Philip Baxter Meggs (1942-2002) was born in 1942, Meggs began teaching in the Communication Arts and Design Department at Virginia Commonwealth University, chairing the department from 1974 to 1987. In 1983, he published his History of Graphic Design--the book that not only put graphic design in its historical context; it put graphic design on the cultural map.

Before Phil Meggs wrote his seminal book, graphic design was left largely unchronicled. A History of Graphic Design offered designers and students of design a foundation on which to build, a starting point from which to move forward, and a context for graphic design's place in history.

This single work afforded an immediate legitimacy to a field that had, until that moment, been considered more of a trade than a profession. As Steven Heller wrote in PRINT magazine, Meggs "laid more than a groundwork; he built a monument to graphic design's legacy. Now he is an integral part of that legacy."

Meggs: Making Graphic Design History is at once a retrospective of Phil Megg's achievements as a historian, educator, and artist in his own right, a deserved tribute to his lasting influence on the graphic arts, and a loving memoriam written by family, friends, and colleagues who were lucky enough to have known him.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A retrospective chronicling the work and writing of noted design historian and educator Philip B. Meggs." (How Magazine, April 2008)

This book memorializes the work of Philip Meggs (1942-2002), who helped to identify graphic design as a profession through his teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University, his writing and his work as a designer.  His enduring A History of Graphic Design is widely known as the standard and, for decades, the only comprehensive history of graphic design. Meggs comprises pieces of his own work, including reprinted journal articles, lecture notes, and photographic reproductions of his sketchbooks, paintings, and photographs. The collection of writing here presents a good picture of Meggs's analysis of design history and visions for the future; for example, notes on lecture about Marshall McLuhan discuss the role of the mass media expanding the scope of visual communication. Furthermore, in a 1989 article from Print, Meggs predicts the role of desktop publishing technology as a tool for the mass production of bad design. Essays by several of Megg’s colleagues and family members emphasize his dedication to his work and also his courage when faced with leukemia. Recommended for academic libraries that support design curricula.—Eric Linderman, Euclid P.L., OH (Library Journal, January 2008)

"This book is our unanimous decision for BOOK OF THE YEAR in the Graphic Design field because it fills two important functions for anyone in visual communications. First it is a warmly written and thoroughly enjoyable read…..secondly this book gives the visual communicator a look into the inner workings of what it takes to be a great designer." (Design-bookshelf.com; 1/7/02)

"Graphic Historian and educator Phillip Meggs is well known in design circles for his notable work, A History of Graphic Design. Now a new book boasting Meggs' name is available…..includes a selections of his articles, transcripts from lectures and excerpts from his own books." (Dynamic Graphics; Dec/Jan 08)

"Reading this volume, it's easy to see the impact Meggs had as a design historian, author and educator. And just as surely as readers will appreciate his contributions for years to come, to some extent they too will feel the loss of one of design's most innovative minds." (Step In Design, Nov/Dec 2007)

"In 1983 Philip Baxter Meggs published A History of Graphic Design, the first real history of the field and still required reading in many graphic-design curricula…..this book is a loving tribute to his legacy as an educator, scholar, writer, and designer." (Metropolis Magazine; 12/07)

"...any designer who cares deeply about graphic design ought to have this book on their shelves." (Designorati.com; 10/07)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (September 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470008393
• ISBN-13: 978-0470008393
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 1.1 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,709,204 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular, December 6, 2007

By 

Fred Showker "DTG Magazine" (The Design Bookshelf) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meggs: Making Graphic Design History (Hardcover)

I had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to go through the Communication Arts & Design program at VCU with Phil as illustration instructor, and student advisor.

This book, about the life and times of Phil Meggs is essential reading for all graphic designers and artists whether you knew Phil or not. It follows a time line up to his death, showing sketch books, projects and designs by Phil, giving a glimpse of this truly gifted designer -- while providing any creative visual communicator a recipe for gathering, digesting and interpreting visuals -- a creative shot in the arm to say the least.

The rememberances of those last months, written by Libby Meggs (Phil's wife) noted illustrator in her own right, brought tears to my eyes.

Bottom line: the graphic designer, illustrator or visual communicator now has a detailed map on how to get where they want to go -- creatively. And for me, when faced with difficult design projects, I finally have the answer to the question: "What would Phil Meggs do"

This book is in the number ONE spot for nomination for "BOOK OF THE YEAR" at www.Design-Bookshelf.com and DTG Magazine. And that recommendation says it all.

Just buy it.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have, October 3, 2007

By 

Creative Sponge (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meggs: Making Graphic Design History (Hardcover)

If you were fortunate enough to have been taught by Phil Meggs or perhaps you had a professor that used A History of Graphic Design in class, then you must own this book.

It's beautiful and touching. I will treasure it always with my fond memories of Professor Meggs.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautifully designed, March 31, 2009

By 

Allison N. Schumacher (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meggs: Making Graphic Design History (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent peek into the work and life of Phil Meggs. It was composed by many who have the utmost respect for him and miss him dearly. Phil did great things for the field of graphic design and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to know a great man.