Graphic Design: A Concise History

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Richard Hollis

Thames & Hudson, London, 2002 (2nd revised expanded edition), 2001; originally published 1994, English

Nonfiction, Graphic Design

ISBN: 9780500203477

From the Publisher. A documentary history of graphic design that begins with the poster and goes on to chart the development of word and image in brochures and magazines, advertising, corporate identity, television and electronic media, and the effects of technical innovations such as photography and the computer. A new final chapter in the revised edition (2001) covers the international developments and leading practitioners in graphic design in recent years, exploring the revolutionary impact of digital technology.

On 2 book lists

Ellen Lupton

On Ellen Lupton’s Book List

This compact little history of graphic design contains over 800 illustrations. In his crisp, smart narrative, Hollis follows the profession from the late 19th century to the close of the 20th. His book is small enough to fit in your purse and rich enough to account for the basic history of our profession.

Massimo Pitis

On Massimo Pitis’s Book List

I owe a debt of gratitude to Richard Hollis for this simple and (in fact) concise book, which was able to walk me, as a student, through the most important moments and authors of graphic design. One small criticism: it is very Anglo-centric and mainstream. Still, a good read for students.

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