Born Modern: The Life and Design of Alvin Lustig

by Steve Heller, Elaine Lustig Cohen

Alvin Lustig was modern before it was cool. But there has never been a monograph devoted to his work—until now. A genius best known for his book covers and interior design, his theories on design education were precursors to the curricula of some of the most renowned design schools today. Lustig lent his imaginative vision and talent to a wide range of legendary projects, from the groundbreaking architecture of 1940s Los Angeles to magazine covers that have become collector's items. Spanning the breadth of Lustig's tragically brief but prolific career, Born Modern is a must-have for any student or practitioner of design, as well as anyone interested in the history of American visual culture.

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

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Scrubbles.net -
http://www.scrubbles.net/2013/08/05/b...

The chapter on Lustig's theories on education was a bit dull, but otherwise this was a treat.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've long been an avid collector of his book jackets for New Directions. No idea he died so young. Nor did I realize he helped found the design program at UGA from which I graduated! Can't believe that not one of my professors ever mentioned him or his work.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to know that Alvin Lustig designed some of the memorable book covers, including Dylan Thomas's Portrait of an Artist as a Young Dog.

[Petwo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, great artist...he had the formula.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book on Alvin Lustig. It's terrific, though it's pretty expensive to get a copy these days. If you're not a major fan, or otherwise obsessed with his work, I'd use your library to get a copy.