History of Graphic Design: 1890-1959

In this mighty first volume, Jens Müller traces 70 years of graphic design, designers, and developments from the late 19th century through the economic boom after World War II, spanning designs that would form the basis for further revolutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2021
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

A Visual History of Graphic Design

A comprehensive exploration of hundreds of landmark projects, industry leaders' profiles, and illustrated timelines for each decade.

History is a multifaceted tapestry, woven with the ebb and flow of fortunes, the rise and fall of empires, and the ever-evolving forces of change—whether social, political, or technological. Throughout the turbulent march of time, graphic design, with its vibrant and concise fusion of image and idea, has captured the essence of each era.

This book presents a comprehensive chronicle of graphic design, spanning from the late 19th century to the aftermath of World War II. It traces the evolution of this creative field, from its humble beginnings as poster design to its subsequent growth into advertising, corporate identity, packaging, and editorial design. Organized chronologically, the volume showcases over 2,500 seminal designs from across the globe, with 71 of these featured in depth, along with 61 influential figures in the field, including Alphonse Mucha (chocolate advertisements), Edward Johnston (London Underground logo and typeface), El Lissitzky (constructivist graphics), Herbert Matter (photomontage travel posters from Switzerland), Saul Bass (animated opening titles), and A. M. Cassandre (art deco posters).

With his profound expertise in the field, author Jens Müller handpicks the standout designs for each year, accompanied by a seamless narrative of design milestones. Meanwhile, in his introductory essay, David Jury contextualizes graphic design from its early roots in printing, engraving, and lithography to the remarkable creative advancements of the 19th century. Each subsequent decade is preceded by a concise overview and a breathtaking visual timeline, providing a vivid portrayal of the diverse range of graphic production in each decade, as well as the remarkable strides made in the field.

Weight: 3964g
Dimension: 377 x 256 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836563079