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There are two kinds of graphic designers in this world: those who sincerely seek the higher levels of understanding in the craft -- and those who only claim to. Those who are truly serious about expanding the breadth of their knowledge of the field, will have this book.
Phillip C. Meggs first published this work in 1983, and since then it's been considered the text for all students of the field. It's been out of print for a while, but with this updated fourth edition, under the expert authorial leadership of Alston Purvis, graphic design students from all walks can benefit from it's wisdom.
A History of Graphic Design, Fourth Edition offers hundreds of full-color images supported by the latest information, including a new chapter on modern type design. With more than 1,000 illustrations, lucid text, and interpretive captions, this Fourth Edition reveals a saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important design innovations. Within its 500 pages, this edition's historic account is an extraordinary panorama of people and events from the earliest Invention of Writing and Alphabets; through Medieval Manuscripts; the Origins of Printing and Typography and into Postmodern Design to the Computer Graphics Revolution. It surpasses in detail and breadth the content, design, and color reproduction of any other work on the subject -- as well as its own previous editions. Professionals, students, and everyone who works with or loves the world of graphic design will quickly find this reference tool is an invaluable visual survey that they will turn to again and again.
The New York Times says this is 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."
Critique Magazine, Pamela Williams, said:
With this book, Meggs made it easier for designers to envision their work in terms of history.
Print magazine says:
"Now . . . a hefty, yet concise, documentation of the entire field exists."
Communication Arts says:
"I expect it to become a foundation and keystone of serious study . . . it is a fortress work."
The Journal of Typographics says:
"This is a reference work that reads like a novel. It's comprehensive, authoritative, graphic, and exciting."
After a decade of research by the author, the first edition of A History of Graphic Design was heralded as a publishing landmark by the Association of American Publishers, who awarded it a coveted award for publishing excellence. Now, after fifteen years of development in graphic design, this expanded and updated Third Edition once again brings the saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important design innovations to all those who aspire to higher levels of graphic design.
Meggs' History of Graphic Design
by Philip Meggs, Alston W. Purvis - List Price: $75.00, Price: $75.00 No discounts Hardcover: 592 pages; Publisher: Wiley; 4 edition (December 7, 2005); Language: English
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