Never Leave Well Enough Alone

by Raymond Loewy

Never Leave Well Enough Alone , first published in 1951, is the classic introduction to modern industrial design by the 'father' of the movement - Raymond Loewy. Loewy (1893-1986) was responsible for transforming thousands of everyday objects into streamlined masterpieces, many of which are still popular and in-use in daily life today. Examples include corporate logos; packaging for Lucky Strike cigarettes and Pepsodent toothpaste; Studebaker and Greyhound automotive and bus design; buildings and household furnishings; and appliances such as toasters and refrigerators. This new reprint edition is formatted to Loewy's original design of 6 inches by 7 inches - his first foray into book design; and is illustrated throughout with drawings and photographic examples of his work.

Genres: Design, Memoir, Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Business

466 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2002

About the author

Raymond Fernand Loewy (5 November 1893 - 14 July 1986) was one of the best known industrial designers of the 20th century. Born in France, he spent most of his professional career in the United States where he influenced countless aspects of North American culture. Among his many iconic contributions to modern life were the Shell logo, the Greyhound bus, the S-1 locomotive, the Lucky Strike package, Coldspot refrigerators and the Studebaker Avanti. His career spanned seven decades.

Reviews

[John Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loewy was a genius of industrial and graphic design. And you probably would never have wanted to work with him, based on his temperment. But if you had it must have been one of the most intellectually rewarding experiences. He loves his closest acquaintenances, and recounts many battles and struggles that matter more to him than us: the classic artist versus the system and the penny pinchers. Still, I enjoyed hearing how this creative mastermind worked and thought.

[Ronald Koltnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Raymond Loewy's memoir is like entering an episode of "Mad Men." It is stylish, commercial, and quite a bit old-fashioned in its views on women. Loewy is a bit of a snob, one who is dedicated to Good Taste in all things. The book is scattered and digressive. You could be reading about air travel when suddenly you get a series of recipes. However, Loewy is great fun to be around, with as many quips as an Oscar Wilde play and with insights into the philosophy of business in the post-WWII years. This is one of the funniest books that I have ever read. It is part memoir, part history of industrial design, and part blowing of one's own horn. Some parts drag, while others should go on longer. All in all, a rare treat.

[Brian Kovesci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Raymond Loewy was instrumental in establishing American design as a relevant powerhouse, this book read like one big ego stroke. There are entire chapters that need to be cut from this book to remain on topic.

A proposed updated title:
Loewy on Loewy: the Importance of an Important Man as Told by a Prodigy

[Nick Majeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite book to ever exist. I love Industrial Design with all my heart and this book will get any designer filled up with passion and energized. Raymond Loewy is a fantastic story teller and effortlessly sets the scenes for what it was like to essentially start Industrial Design. His humor is dry and hilarious. I try and read this book a couple times a year.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful excursion through the life of a legend. Loewy’s wit and personality more than compensate for a slightly scattered presentation. His turns of phrase had me smiling at nearly every page.

There is not much practical or technical info. The book doesn’t attempt to teach industrial design. It does show how to think and to live like a designer.

[Roy Kenagy]

Cited in Derek Thompson, Hit Makers

[Carolee Wheeler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charmingly designed and containing some interesting tidbits, but not terribly riveting for a non-industrial designer of the 21st century.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hilarious as well as being generally and timelessly informative.