Kauffer's Covers: The Book Jackets and Covers of Edward McKnight Kauffer

Edward McKnight Kauffer was an American graphic designer who was one of the most important in Britain in the first half of the 20th century. He is best known for his advertisements and posters, but he also designed book jackets. This book is the first to focus on this aspect of his work, with illustrations of 250 jackets and an account of the publishers who commissioned them.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 104 pages
\n Publication date: 11 October 2021
\n Publisher: Artmonsky Arts
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Edward McKnight Kauffer, an American graphic designer, holds a significant place in British graphic design history during the first half of the 20th century. Initially pursuing a career as a painter in Europe, he found himself stranded in England when World War I began. Undeterred, Kauffer took up graphic design to earn a living and was fortunate to secure commissions from Frank Pick, the renowned poster designer for London Transport. His exceptional talent and creativity led him to become the most prolific poster designer for the company. While Kauffer is best known for his designs of advertisements and posters, a lesser-known but equally significant aspect of his output is his book jacket designs. He was one of the pioneering artists in this medium, creating groundbreaking modernist designs that stood out from the more realistic and often romanticized images prevalent in the United States at the time.

This book, the first to focus on this particular aspect of Kauffer's work, showcases a collection of approximately 250 jacket illustrations and provides an account of the publishers who commissioned them. It sheds light on the artistic journey of this remarkable designer, showcasing his exceptional talent and contributions to the field of graphic design.

Kauffer's book jackets are characterized by their bold and innovative designs. He pushed the boundaries of traditional book cover design, incorporating abstract shapes, bold typography, and vibrant colors. His designs often reflected the contemporary art movements of the time, such as Cubism and Futurism, while still maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication.

One of the notable features of Kauffer's book jackets is his attention to detail. He carefully considered the typography, layout, and composition of each jacket, ensuring that it effectively communicated the essence of the book and captured the reader's attention. His designs were often characterized by a sense of balance and harmony, with elements carefully arranged to create a visually appealing and cohesive whole.

Kauffer's book jackets also played a significant role in promoting the works of authors and publishers. His designs helped to create a visual identity for books and established a connection between the cover art and the content of the book. They often featured striking images or typography that served as a visual representation of the book's themes or characters, making it easier for readers to identify and engage with the material.

Despite his success as a graphic designer, Kauffer's book jackets are often overlooked or underestimated. However, they are a testament to his exceptional talent and creativity, and they continue to inspire and influence contemporary book cover design. This book serves as a valuable resource for designers, artists, and anyone interested in the history of graphic design, providing a comprehensive examination of Kauffer's book jacket designs and their impact on the publishing industry.

In conclusion, Edward McKnight Kauffer's book jackets are a testament to his exceptional talent and creativity as a graphic designer. His bold and innovative designs pushed the boundaries of traditional book cover design, creating visually appealing and cohesive pieces that helped to promote the works of authors and publishers. Despite their lesser-known status, Kauffer's book jackets are a valuable resource for designers, artists, and anyone interested in the history of graphic design. This book provides a comprehensive examination of his book jacket designs and their impact on the publishing industry, highlighting his contributions to the field and his lasting legacy.

\n Weight: 316g\n
Dimension: 176 x 217 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781916384545\n \n