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The History of Graphic Design. Vol. 2, 1960–Today
Through the turbulent passage of time, graphic design—with its vivid, neat synthesis of image and idea—has distilled the spirit of each age. Surrounding us every minute of every day, from minimalist packaging to colorful adverts, smart environmental graphics to sleek interfaces: graphic design is as much about transmitting information as it is about reflecting society’s cultural aspirations and values.
This second volume rounds off our in-depth exploration of graphic design, spanning from the 1960s until today. About 3,500 seminal designs from across the globe guide us in this visual map through contemporary history, from the establishment of the International Style to the rise of the groundbreaking digital age. Around 80 key pieces go under the microscope in detailed analyses besides 118 biographies of the era’s most important designers, including Massimo Vignelli (New York subway wayfinding system), Otl Aicher (Lufthansa identity), Paula Scher (Citibank brand identity), Neville Brody (The Face magazine), Kashiwa Sato (Uniqlo brand identity), and Stefan Sagmeister (handwriting posters).
With his sweeping knowledge of the field, author Jens Müller curates the standout designs for each year alongside a running sequence of design milestones. Organized chronologically, each decade is prefaced by a succinct overview as well as a stunning visual timeline, offering a vivid display of the variety of graphic production in each decade as well as the global landscape which it at once described and defined.
This collection of important graphic works represents a long-overdue reflection on the development of a creative field constantly changing and challenging itself. These key pieces act as coordinates through contemporary history, helping us trace the sheer influence of graphic design on our daily lives.
Combined with Volume One—which spans from the field’s very beginnings until 1959—the tomes offer the most comprehensive exploration of graphic design to date.
This second volume rounds off our in-depth exploration of graphic design, spanning from the 1960s until today. About 3,500 seminal designs from across the globe guide us in this visual map through contemporary history, from the establishment of the International Style to the rise of the groundbreaking digital age. Around 80 key pieces go under the microscope in detailed analyses besides 118 biographies of the era’s most important designers, including Massimo Vignelli (New York subway wayfinding system), Otl Aicher (Lufthansa identity), Paula Scher (Citibank brand identity), Neville Brody (The Face magazine), Kashiwa Sato (Uniqlo brand identity), and Stefan Sagmeister (handwriting posters).
With his sweeping knowledge of the field, author Jens Müller curates the standout designs for each year alongside a running sequence of design milestones. Organized chronologically, each decade is prefaced by a succinct overview as well as a stunning visual timeline, offering a vivid display of the variety of graphic production in each decade as well as the global landscape which it at once described and defined.
This collection of important graphic works represents a long-overdue reflection on the development of a creative field constantly changing and challenging itself. These key pieces act as coordinates through contemporary history, helping us trace the sheer influence of graphic design on our daily lives.
Combined with Volume One—which spans from the field’s very beginnings until 1959—the tomes offer the most comprehensive exploration of graphic design to date.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2018
13 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Jens Müller
76 books34 followersJens Müller was born in Koblenz, Germany, in 1982 and studied graphic design. Recipient of numerous national and international design awards, he is a partner of Vista design studio in Düsseldorf and professor of corporate design at the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 15, 2019
This is a one of a kind book with thousands of examples of the best graphic design over the past 50 years. However, it's the text of the book that is really the best part. There are profiles on famous designers and design firms from across the globe, quotes, as well as short essays on styles inherent over the decades. It was as much fun to read as it was to look at all of the work. This is an encyclopedic reference, an inspirational resource, and a historical record all in one very large, heavy book. Easily will return to it again and again now that I've read the whole thing through once.
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July 21, 2021A wonderful resource for inspiration. I discovered so many incredible designers through this book, and find I discover something new with every read. I would have loved to see more women included however as it was an extremely male dominated account of the history of graphic design.
December 22, 2019
Taschen si rivela sempre un’ottimo editore. Anche questo volume non manca di stupire sia per la ricerca iconografica che per i contenuti: biografie dei più grandi grafici, brevi interviste e una panoramica davvero efficace sullo sviluppo della grafica. Ottimo libro di consultazione da leggere e rileggere.
July 30, 2021
This second volume delivers on its promise like the first, albeit with a more intimate touch. It retraces the crisscrossing lines of today's vibrant visual culture, which blends confidently all the radical graphic innovations that appeared in stages in the post World War II era.
February 14, 2021
"Designers, stay away from corporations that want you to lie for them." —Tibor Kalman
April 29, 2021
Every graphic designer should have this book. It has the best works from influential designers that is still good in today's standards. Its a perfect book for great inspiration
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews