An Introduction to Design and Culture: 1900 to the Present

by Penny Sparke

Now in a completely new and updated edition, this introduction to the development of modern (and postmodern) design is ideal for undergraduate students. Divided into four parts, the book covers the major periods in design culture since the start of the twentieth century, beginning by examining the formative years 1900-1914. Two sections on design and modernity explore the periods 1915-1939 and 1939-1969, and a completely new section, design and postmodernity, covers 1970 to the present.
New to this edition Drawing on a wealth of mass-produced artifacts, images and environments including sewing machines, cars, televisions, clothes, electronic and branded goods and exhibitions, Sparke shows how design has helped to shape and reflect our social and cultural development.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art, Reference

296 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

About the author

Penelope Anne Sparke is a writer and academic who specializes in the history of design. She is a Professor of Design History at Kingston University, London, where she is also Director of the Modern Interiors Research Centre.

Sparke received her B.A. in French Literature and her P.G.C.E. in Education from Sussex University, and her Ph.D. in Design History from Brighton Polytechnic.

Reviews

[Marta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good research, but poorly executed. However, I would recomment it to anyone who's interested in the way design has influenced our everyday lives. But beware, the writing style makes it quite difficult to go through.

[Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brief but powerful read, Penny Sparke expertly outlines the major influences and stakeholders in the world of 20th century design. The book contains a rather exhaustive list of resources for further investigation, which is good for a scholar but perhaps boring for the lay reader. Sparke is doubtless a bookshelf name for anyone attempting to understand how design arrived at its present context.

[Emily Broach · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for an interior design class. It’s not a bad book, but so grew bored of it fast.

[⌦K8U]

for fall2023 history of design class---forgot to log.

[mahatmanto · Rating 2 out of 5]

standard deh...

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like a textbook, but it's not bad for a textbook! :)