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Meggs' History of Graphic Design (Hardcover)

~ 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...)
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
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Meggs' History of Graphic Design + Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students (Design Briefs) + The Elements of Typographic Style
Total List Price: $136.90
Price For All Three: $92.62

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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

More About the Authors

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Alston W. Purvis
Alston W. Purvis
Philip B. Meggs
Philip B. Meggs

Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
It is not known precisely when or where the biological species of conscious, thinking people, Homo sapiens, emerged. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
international typographic style, typographic book, nieuwe kunst, typographic printing, new typography, letterpress printers, identity manual, exhibition poster, relief printing, typeface designs, graphic design program, typographic design, punch cutter, type foundry, graphic design studio, specimen book, modern typography, type mold
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, United States, Vienna Secession, Peter Behrens, William Morris, Paul Rand, San Francisco, Push Pin, Herbert Bayer, Los Angeles, Harper's Bazaar, Jan Tschichold, Herb Lubalin, Herbert Matter, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Ver Sacrum, London Underground, April Greiman, Kelmscott Press, Man Ray, Otl Aicher, Rolling Stone, Walter Crane, Wild Plakken, Studio Dumbar
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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94% buy the item featured on this page:
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Customer Reviews

53 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (53 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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35 of 36 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.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars a reference for every project, July 20, 1998
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.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Most Comprehensive Graphic History text around!, August 3, 2005
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!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars great experience
I received the item with great time and did not worry about how long it would take, the description is fairly accurate! As far as the item it is awesome!=]
Published 1 day ago by C. R. Garcia

3.0 out of 5 stars It is what it is.
If you're buying a this book, it's probably because it's required text for a class you're taking...

That being said, it's a decent book as far as that goes. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Ian Loveall

5.0 out of 5 stars if you like graphic design, or are just interested...
then you need to get this book. Lots of visuals that relate to the text and a great comprehensive history. I've read it twice now since I bought it two weeks ago. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Richard P. Mitchell

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good quality book.
I will definetely buy from this seller again. Very good quality book. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
Published 4 months ago by Nimia Del Aguila

4.0 out of 5 stars Great text, but wait for the next edition
This is a wonderful book, and lives up to its reputation. Some of the images are not as of high quality as one would hope, but the author tells me that the next edition will have... Read more
Published 5 months ago by A.L.

5.0 out of 5 stars The absolute bible on Graphic Design.
This book is an absolute must have for any graphic designer and should be required for any design program. Read more
Published 5 months ago by R. Milan

4.0 out of 5 stars Foundation for Beginners
this book is great! helps you get acquainted with the detailed history of graphic design.
Published 6 months ago by Jeremie Michaels Lim

4.0 out of 5 stars Meggs' History of Graphic Design
It may (or may not) be of interest to the reader to ponder some design facts not specified in this book. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Ron Z

4.0 out of 5 stars Meggs' History of Graphic Design
The book has been very helpful in my classes. I am glad I bought it.
Published 12 months ago by Andrea C. Vasquez

4.0 out of 5 stars meggs history of graphic design
this book rocks! i dig the information as it is provided in a clear/concise manner. it is chock full of cool history facts that make taking my class fun. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Sock It Tomay

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