Tibor Kalman, Perverse Optimist

by Peter Hall (Editor), Michael Bierut (Editor)

Tibor Perverse Optimist is the definitive and exuberant document of the late Tibor Kalman's work and ideas. This full-color, oversize title reveals Kalman's thoughts on magazines, advertising, sex, bookstores, food, and the design profession. Product designs, stills and storyboards from his film and video projects, and spreads from his book and magazine work are included. The impressive list of contributors includes Kurt Andersen, Paola Antonelli, David Byrne, Jay Chiat, Steven Heller, Isaac Mizrahi, Chee Pearlman, Rick Poynor, and Ingrid Sischy.

Genres: Design, Art Design, Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Biography

420 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

This is the disambiguation record for otherwise unidentified authors called Peter Hall.

Reviews

[Andrew Galloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting, very New York kind of man. On the one hand at the service of capitalism but eager to mess with the market in the service of his values and ideals. Definitely marched to his own drum.

[Titi Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un rebelde con causa que quería dar vuelta el mundo a través de su diseño gráfico.

3.5 estrellas

[Maroš · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice and comprehensive review of Tibor's work full of interviews and comments of other lunatics and design legends.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago I regularly bought copies of Colors magazine. I loved the unique in-your-face style of it, and how it was compiled and written for a truly global audience. Later I discovered children's books authored and illustrated by the amazingly creative Maira Kalman. Later still I discovered that it was her belated husband Tibor who had been the editor and driving force behind Colors. This book chronicles Tibor's path as an innovative, learn-as-you-go designer and creative genius. Alongside his wife they formed M&Co, a design firm that knew no bounds. Working with clients ranging from David Byrne to high-end restaurants, they never failed to produce clever, distinct designs. In the time since this book was published, Tibor died (I think) of cancer. M&Co lives on, but not without the huge void left by Tibor's absence. I would highly recommend anything he or his wife have had a hand in. In Tibor's own words, "Fuck committees. I believe in lunatics."

[Emir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edited by Michael Bierut and Peter Hall, the 420 page book features work highlights of Kalman as he started his career at a New York City campus bookstore, which is now Barnes & Noble, Kalman's work at M&Co, to his work on Benetton's Colors magazine under Oliviero Toscani. It features some writing by Kalman, and contributions about Kalman by Paola Antonelli, David Byrne, Jay Chiat, Jenny Holzer, Isaac Mizrahi, Florent Morellet, Leonard Riggio, Rebecca Robertson, Ingrid Sischy, Elizabeth Sussman, and Oliviero Toscani and essays by Kurt Andersen and Rick Poynor.

It's an essential read on Kalman. I read it while doing research on "Dada and Contemporary Graphic Design" paper but ended up not using any references from it, since I discussed Oliviero Toscani in more detail.

Princeton Architectural Press, 2000.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't get it, Tibor Kalman's supposed to be this Brilliant Graphic Designer, so I bought this monograph. However, upon reading it, I find that he pales in comparison to current versions of designer-as-superstar like Sagmeister. I guess he did it in the nineties and it was provocative but I found his work to be only marginally interesting. After I purchased this I realized I really actually wanted to purchase Bruce Mau's monograph (easy to confuse those weird foreign names).

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice compilation of Tibor Kalman's work. The book is very artsy with typography to look at for its design quailty - but I found difficult to read. The writing was not bad, just difficult to read under such red, yellow or black backgrounds. The images are very cool.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the only designer monograph I've really READ and find myself going back to. Has the usual monograph flaws—not very critical, overly self-aggrandizing—but to have all of Kalman's work in one place to reference and show students is wonderful.

[Catie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i pick this book up regularly off my shelf (when i have a bookshelf to speak of) and just flip through to find the most delightful bits and pieces of goodness. truly a brilliant man. and his wife, maira, amazing.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the heavy-hitters of graphic design, Tibor Kalman is definitely my favorite. This beautifully designed monograph explores the world of one of the world's most thoughtful and clever designers, whose body of work seen all at once is quite moving.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, even though I'm not that interested in graphic design. It was very interesting for me to see what it was like to run a design firm (even if it's an unconventional one). Overall the more you are interested in graphic design and art the more interesting this book will be to you.

[Wayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tibor's vision foreshadowed the international, delightful, absurd culture of the internet. For those of us that are "of a certain age" - the web can feel like a user-generated issue of Colors, delivered a daily basis.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was a Mount Rushmore of graphic designers surely Tibor Kalman's head would be on it. Even if you have no hint of design aesthetic you will still marvel at his work. Thought provoking and funny Tibor could do it all. You've seen his work although you may not know it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

the MUST HAVE BOOK for the creative thinker. such an fascinating guy and his work is just so nice to look at.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might be scary to think about how much this book influenced my life and career.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When in a bind, I think..."What would Tibor do?"

[Patrik Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likeable guy with fascinating broad portfolio.

[Widgets & · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great monograph about the unique and passionate designer, Tibor Kalman. A must read for all young designers.

[Jen Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love Tibor Kalman - this man is a legend.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how this presented a very complex portrait of the designer. Started out thinking he was a real jerk in the beginning but I grew to appreciate him much more by the end. Great design work too.

[Mike Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of Tibor's work and thinking.