Saul Bass: A Life in Film and Design

by Jennifer Bass, Pat Kirkham, Martin Scorsese (Foreword)

This is the first book to be published on one of the greatest American designers of the 20th Century, who was as famous for his work in film as for his corporate identity and graphic work. With more than 1,400 illustrations, many of them never published before and written by the leading design historian Pat Kirkham, this is the definitive study that design and film enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating. Saul Bass (1920-1996) created some of the most compelling images of American post-war visual culture. Having extended the remit of graphic design to include film titles, he went on to transform the genre. His best known works include a series of unforgettable posters and title sequences for films such as Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo and Otto Preminger's The Man with the Golden Arm and Anatomy of a Murder. He also created some of the most famous logos and corporate identity campaigns of the century, including those for major companies such as AT&T, Quaker Oats, United Airlines and Minolta. His wife and collaborator, Elaine, joined the Bass office in the late 1950s. Together they created an impressive series of award-winning short films, including the Oscar-winning Why Man Creates, as well as an equally impressive series of film titles, ranging from Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus in the early 1960s to Martin Scorsese's Cape Fear and Casino in the 1990s. Designed by Jennifer Bass, Saul Bass's daughter and written by distinguished design historian Pat Kirkham who knew Saul Bass personally, this book is full of images from the Bass archive, providing an in depth account of one of the leading graphic artists of the 20th century.

Genres: Design, Art, Film, Nonfiction, Art Design, Biography, History

428 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2011

Reviews

[AdultNonFiction Teton County Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teton County Call No: 760.092 Bass J
Cindy's Rating: 5 Stars

I am so inspired by Saul Bass's work. From corporate logos and film design to picture books and graphic work, his style permeates American design culture. I particularly love his use of typography and image.
This beautiful book designed by his daughter, Jennifer Bass, provides an in depth account of all of Saul Bass's work. The book was rich in detail, and I found the notes at the end describing his very personal creative process particularly fascinating.
If you are a designer, this book is a must read, but even if you just like design, you will find learning how some of our most well known logos were created interesting.
Loved this quote "...no matter how much experience you have, the blank page is still terrifying."

[Linda Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cannot actually call this "read" - it was "looked" and that was dandy on its own. This book is gargantuan. 10.5 x 11.75, 2 inches thick and weighs 7 lbs. I'm glad there is a definitive record of Saul Bass work. 422 pages, with 1400 illustrations and plenty of white space to rest the eyes, it's a sumptuous mighty tome. But the body copy is in 8 point type. I can't read anything that small any more and won't try, without a magnifying glass and nothing else in the world to do for a year. For those who can read the tiny type, and are graphic design students or admirers, the many illustrations that show the road to a finished project are invaluable. What one finds at the end of all the beauty, is there is a "voice" to a lifetime of any designer's work, and Bass' is resonant and profound.

[Rachel Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must for anyone studying graphic design, or fans of mid-century art and film.

[Kireet Nimmagadda · Rating 5 out of 5]

You get a fascinating ride through the life of one of America's great designers, as told by himself, his wife and curated by his daughter.

What more do you need? It's a perfect guide to his life. The only criticism I have is it wasn't in depth enough.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant summary of a great creative. Full of insights and fascinating details.

[Charles Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A behemoth collection of brilliance made visual. Any creative looking to learn or be inspired can appreciate the work and keen insights of the legendary Saul Bass.

[PJ Ebbrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb.

[Tim Lapetino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book that covers the incredible work of designer Saul Bass. His identity work -- still astounding and groundbreaking. His film titles -- still arresting. His thoughts on work, practice, and creativity -- inspiring.

I can't pull the book off my shelf and not be inspired. It's great how comprehensive the huge book is, while still being very accessible.

Absolutely highest recommendation.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great overview of his life's work. Beautiful full-color spreads of his film title sequences, corporate identity campaigns and short films. Only downside is it's a giant coffee table book - not ideal for subway reading :)

[James O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sal Bass and Bob Peak are two completely different artist but they both created great visuals that helped created a large number of very creative visuals to introduce the public to the respective movie.

[Cristhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colección del trabajo de Saul Bass creador de muchos carteles icónicos (vertigo, the magnificent seven, the cardinal y tantos, tantos más), así como créditos de dichas películas y otras muchas cosas más (imagen corporativa, rediseño de logos y cortometrajes).

Ídolo.

4.6/7

[Patty]

Saul Bass made me love opening titles, and he's probably responsible for the fact that I always sit through the end credits of a film. I can't wait to read this book!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive. Gorgeous.

[Eliash Strongowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Чудова ознайомча книга виняткового дизайнерського та поліграфічного рівня, якій трохи бракує деталізації ілюстративного матеріялу.

[Chelsea Parrish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing work. Huge book to read but lots of interesting tid bits to remember about life and art.

[Isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

[Bernadette N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graphic design students must read this book!!!

[Alonna Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful. Giant. Still working my way through it. Love Saul Bass-style.