Meggs' History of Graphic Design (Hardcover)

by Philip B. Meggs (Author), Alston W. Purvis (Author) "It is not known precisely when or where the biological species of conscious, thinking people, Homo sapiens, emerged..." (more)
Key Phrases: international typographic style, typographic book, nieuwe kunst, New York, United States, Vienna Secession (more...)

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Now in its Fourth Edition, this unrivaled, seminal work continues its long tradition of providing balanced insight and thorough historical background. Under the new authorial leadership of Alston Purvis, this authoritative book offers more than 450 new images, along with expansive coverage of such topics as Italian, Russian, and Dutch design. It reveals a saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important design innovations.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 4 edition (December 7, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471699020
• ISBN-13: 978-0471699026
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,324 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #3 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > Drawing & Modelling
  #6 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Graphic Design > Typography
  #8 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Graphic Design > Graphic Arts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have reference book for graphic designers, March 20, 2001

By	SL (RI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of Graphic Design (Hardcover)

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.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a reference for every project, July 20, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of Graphic Design (Hardcover)

I was introduced to this book early in my undergraduate studies of design but rediscovered it during my recently completed senior year. It became a reference for every project and a permanent fixture on my bedside table. I was required to read many different books on history but this was the only one that I read time and time again.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most Comprehensive Graphic History text around!, August 3, 2005

By	Rachel Lieberman "Sangria" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A History of Graphic Design (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!