Meggs' History of Graphic Design [Hardcover]

This is the unrivaled, comprehensive, and award-winning reference tool on graphic design recognized for publishing excellence by the Association of American Publishers. Now, this Fifth Edition of Meggs' History of Graphic Design offers even more detail and breadth of content than its heralded predecessors, revealing a saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important developments responsible for paving the historic paths that define the graphic design experience. In addition to classic topics such as the invention of writing and alphabets, the origins of printing and typography, and postmodern design, this new Fifth Edition presents new information on current trends and technologies sweeping the graphic design landscape—such as the web, multimedia, interactive design, and private presses, thus adding new layers of depth to an already rich resource.

With more than 1,400 high-quality images throughout—many new or newly updated—Meggs' History of Graphic Design, Fifth Edition provides a wealth of visual markers for inspiration and emulation. For professionals, students, and everyone who works with or loves the world of graphic design, this landmark text will quickly become an invaluable guide that they will turn to again and again.

Alston W. Purvis is Professor of Graphic Design at the Boston University College of Fine Arts. During his career, he has worked as an instructor at The Cooper Union and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts at The Hague. His photographs have been exhibited in Amsterdam, London, New York, and Paris. He is the author of Dutch Graphic Design: 1918–1945 and H. N. Werkman; and coauthor of Graphic Design 20th Century; A Century of Posters; Wendingen: A Journal for the Arts 1918–1932; Creative Type; Dutch Graphic Design: A Century of Innovation; Jan Tschichold: Posters of the Avant Garde; Posters NL; Jan Tschichold, Master Typographer: His Life, Work and Legacy; The Ballets Russes and the Art of Design; and Type: A Visual History of Typefaces and Graphic Styles.