100 Posters That Changed the World

by Colin Salter

A visual history of poster design, from anti-slave campaigns and Harper’s to PETA and Extinction Rebellion.

This wide-ranging collection charts the evolution of poster design, from the time when paper was first affordable in the 18th century, through developments in print technology, to the more subtle visual communication of the 21st century.

Along the way, it showcases the most impactful designs of the last 300 years, telling the story of how the art form took off in the late 19th century with the introduction of litho printing and the influence of Henri de Toulouse- Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. Featured posters range from events, auctions, public meetings, political rallies, public health emergencies and theatrical performances. Some convey political
messages, such as the iconic Keep Calm and Carry On poster produced at the dawn of the Second World War. Others advertise the latest must-see films, including classic designs for ET and Jaws.

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Art

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2020

About the author

Edinburgh-based writer Colin Salter is the author of 100 Letters That Changed The World, 100 Speeches That Changed The World and the co-author with Scott Christianson of 100 Books That Changed The World.

Reviews

[Am Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not at all posters that "changed the world". Many of them were probably just famous locally/regionally and a few of them I had totally not heard of. It was nostalgic to see the likes of Gawthorn's gorgeous iconic travel posters (many of which are works of art in themselves) and Mucha's distinctive art nouveau prints featured, and also interesting to visualise various types of 19th century posters advertising everything from balloon trips to circuses to emigration to rewards for wanted criminals. Quite a few mascots/icons were easily recognised (Michelin man, Uncle Sam, Rosie the Riveter), and there were your usual wartime propaganda/motivation posters and communist regime ads promoting Stalin and Mao. The vast majority of posters were interesting, but not "world-changing".

[Jacqueline Nyathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visual feast, and a fun journey!

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

A more accurate title might've been "A Bunch of Posters I Think Are Neat." A whole page is given to Hokusai's Great Wave (just one image from a series of 36) and then the entirety of Belle Époque advertising is wedged into one page as well. Also sometimes Salter describes posters that he doesn't provide images of, which is a little weird since there are supplemental images on most pages.

Overall fun to look at though.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first message of posters is always "Look at me!". Once accomplished, the viewer is persuaded to buy something, do something, or think about the world in a certain way. This colorful compilation highlights the graphic design of 100 posters along with a one page description of how they came to be be and how they were used. The topics include products, the arts, travel, suffrage, elections, patriotism, vaccinations, road safety, social issues, anti-war messages and many others. A fun and interesting book to peruse and learn a thing or two.

[Valerio Pastore · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is undoubtedly a good book, as far as the topic is concerned. The information contained summarizes well the concepts dietri to each poster.... Unfortunately, 100 posters is not enough, and it is also too unbalanced on the Anglo-American side. It deserves at least a second volume devoted to other icons of the printed image industry.

[Ariel Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great approach of visual and event-drive to history and social events. It makes me feel like living in the era for the subject matters.
Only side comment is that most of the posters are very western world driven.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good collection of the posters that formed much of the 20th century (plus a few from the 19th). I enjoyed it and it was worth the time.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting, beautiful, sad and candid. Highly recommended.

[Cherub · Rating 3 out of 5]

蠻多海報很有歷史意義且有趣。