Visible Signs by
Visible Signs- An Introduction to Semiotics in the Visual Arts (second edition) is an update to the popular first edition, which introduces design students and practitioners to the fundamentals of semiotics. Basic semiotic theories are taught in most art schools as part of a contextual studies program, but many students find it difficult to understand how these ideas might impact on their own practice. This book explains semiotic terms and theories in relation to visual communication, with illustrative examples taken from contemporary art and design. Concepts such as signs and signifiers, language and speech are explored within the framework of graphic design and fine art.
Messages, Signs, and Meaning by 
Graphic Design History by
Graphic Design Historytraces the social and cultural role of visual communication from prehistory to the present, connecting what designers do every day to a history of innovative graphic forms and effects. It offers a unique and exciting set of critical lenses for thinking about the cultural purpose and historical dimensions of the graphic designer’s work, placing emphasis on the relevance of the history to the practices of designers today. Designed by the authors, the book is beautiful, spacious, and elegant. Clearly organized into three content-rich layers, it is informative yet lively and driven by ideas that offer ways of thinking about graphic design from a wealth of historical examples
Graphic design : a new history by 
Bauhaus, 1919-1933 by 
Type and typography by 
No more rules: graphic design and postmodernism by 
Pioneers of modern graphic design : a complete history by 
New masters of poster design : poster design for the next century by 
History of the poster by 
A typographic workbook : a primer to history, techniques and artistr by 
Modernism : designing a new world 1914-1939 by 
Pioneers of modern typography by 
Looking closer 4, Critical writings on graphic design by 
Swiss graphic design : the origins and growth of an international style, 1920-1965 by 
A History of Graphic Design by
Critical acclaim for previous editions of A History of Graphic Design "I expect it to become a foundation and keystone of serious study . . . it is a fortress work." -Communication Arts "[It] traces the role of the designer as a messenger of culture." -STA Journal "Now . . . a hefty, yet concise, documentation of the entire field exists." -Print "It is a noble and formidable undertaking." -he Artist's Magazine "An excellent and invaluable work." -Library Journal "This is a reference work that reads like a novel. It's comprehensive, authoritative, graphic, and exciting." -U&lc: The Journal of Typographics "[This book] establishes graphic design as a profession. Bravo!" -Design Issues "A significant attempt at a comprehensive history of graphic design . . . it will be an eye-opener not only for general readers, but for designers who have been unaware of their legacy." -The New York Times "Mr. Meggs enthusiastically conveys these excitements to us, from the invention of photography and 'popular graphics of the Victorian era' through the Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, the Secession, the isms . . . to the Modern Movement. . . . More importantly, he shows us the joins as well as the parts."-rinting World After a decade of research by the author, the first edition of A History of Graphic Design was heralded as a publishing landmark by the Association of American Publishers, who awarded it a coveted award for publishing excellence. Now, after fifteen years of development in graphic design, this expanded and updated Third Edition includes hundreds of full-color images and new material in many areas, including alphabets, Japanese and Dutch graphics, and the computer revolution which has impacted all aspects of contemporary design and communications. With its approximately 1,200 illustrations, lucid text, and interpretive captions, the book reveals a saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important design innovations. Graphic design is a vital component of each culture and period in human history, and in this account, an extraordinary panorama of people and events unfolds, including: * The Invention of Writing and Alphabets * Medieval Manuscript Books * The Origins of Printing and Typography * Renaissance Graphic Design * The Arts and Crafts Movement * Victorian and Art Nouveau Graphics * Modern Art and Its Impact on Design * Visual Identity and Conceptual Images * Postmodern Design * The Computer Graphics Revolution A History of Graphic Design is recognized as a seminal work; this Third Edition surpasses in detail and breadth the content, design, and color reproduction of previous editions. It is required reading for professionals, students, and everyone who works with or loves the world of graphic design. This comprehensive reference tool is an invaluable visual survey that you will turn to again and again.
The Gutenberg revolution : the story of a genius and an invention that changed the world by