Meggs' History of Graphic Design

by Meggs, Philip B.

• ISBN13: 9781118772058
• ISBN10: 1118772059
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781119136200
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780470168738, 9781119743293
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2016-01-15
• Publisher: WILEY JOHN & SONS LTD
• More Book Details

About This Book

Meggs' History of Graphic Design, 6th Edition

Meggs' History of Graphic Design is a comprehensive and visually stunning textbook that has been a cornerstone in the field of graphic design education for decades. This sixth edition, released in March 2025, continues to be a go-to resource for both students and professionals in the graphic design industry.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in graphic design courses at the college and university levels. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the historical development and evolution of graphic design, including professionals looking to refresh their knowledge or expand their understanding of design principles.

History and Editions

The first edition of Meggs' History of Graphic Design was published in 1983, and it has since become a publishing landmark. The sixth edition has been updated to provide the latest information on the history of graphic design, including new developments and breakthroughs in the field. This edition includes over 1,400 high-quality images that visually illustrate the saga of artistic innovators, technological advancements, and groundbreaking developments that define graphic design.

Author and Other Works

Philip B. Meggs, the primary author, is credited with significantly shaping the academic field of graphic design. He has written several books on graphic design, including earlier editions of "Meggs' History of Graphic Design." Alston W. Purvis is also an author on this edition, contributing to its comprehensive coverage.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers classic topics such as the invention of writing and alphabets, the origins of printing and typography, and the advent of postmodern design.
• Visual Spectacle: With over 1,400 high-quality images, this text provides an exquisite visual format that guides readers through the history of graphic design.
• Updated Information: The sixth edition includes updates on recent developments in the field, ensuring that it remains current and relevant for both students and professionals.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9781118772058
• Related ISBNs:
• 9781119136200
• 9781119136231
• 1119136237
• 1119136202

Publication Details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Release Date: March 10, 2025
• Number of Pages: 704
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

While there are no other editions or formats listed specifically for this ISBN, it is worth noting that previous editions have been available in various formats. The sixth edition is currently available in hardcover format.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Meggs' History of Graphic Design, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

The late Philip B. Meggs is an inductee into the Art Directors Hall of Fame and received its Educator's Award for lifetime achievement. A former contributing editor to Print magazine, he authored more than a dozen books and 150 articles and papers on design and typography.

Alston W. Purvis is Professor of Visual Arts at the Boston University College of Fine Arts where he serves as Chair of the Department of Graphic Design. He is author and co-author of numerous books on graphic design history.

Table of Contents

Preface to the First Edition viii

Acknowledgments ix

Part I The Prologue to Graphic Design 1
The visual message from prehistory through the medieval era

1 The Invention of Writing 5

2 Alphabets 21

3 The Asian Contribution 35

4 Illuminated Manuscripts 49

Part II A Graphic Renaissance 69
The origins of European typography and design for printing

5 Printing Comes to Europe 73

6 The German Illustrated Book 85

7 Renaissance Graphic Design 103

8 An Epoch of Typographic Genius 129

Part III The Bridge to the Twentieth Century 147
The Industrial Revolution: The impact of industrial technology upon visual communications

9 Graphic Design and the Industrial Revolution 151

10 The Arts and Crafts Movement and Its Heritage 187

11 Art Nouveau 209

12 The Genesis of Twentieth-Century Design 245

Part IV The Modernist Era 265
Graphic design in the first half of the twentieth century

13 The Influence of Modern Art 269

14 Pictorial Modernism 291

15 A New Language of Form 316

16 The Bauhaus and the New Typography 345

17 The Modern Movement in America 371

Part V The Age of Information 391
Graphic design in the global village

18 The International Typographic Style 397

19 The New York School 415

20 Corporate Identity and Visual Systems 439

21 The Conceptual Image 465

22 Postmodern Design 491

23 National Visions within a Global Dialogue 513

24 The Digital Revolution—and Beyond 571

Epilogue 621

Bibliography 623

Image Credits 657

Index 663