Since its first publication in 1969, Pioneers of Modern Typography has been the standard guide to the avant-garde origins of modern graphic design and typography. In this essential reference, Herbert Spencer shows how new concepts in graphic design in the early decades of the twentieth century had their roots in the artistic movements of the time in painting, poetry, and architecture. Spencer examines the "heroic" period of modern design and typography, the beginning of which he traces to the publication in Le Figaro of the Italian artist Manetti's Futurist manifesto. He discusses the work of such "pioneers" as El Lissitzky, Alexander Rodchenko, and Laszlo Moholy-Nagy. He examines the artistic background of the new concepts in graphic design, and traces the influences of futurism, Dadaism, de Stijl, suprematism, constructivism, and the Bauhaus. His text is profusely illustrated with examples of the new typography, shown in genres that range from posters and magazine covers to Apollinaire's "figurative poetry."
This revised edition, which follows the revised and redesigned edition of 1983, includes a foreword by design critic Rick Poyner that discusses the important contributions to the history of graphic design made by Herbert Spencer. We have been wating for this title to be reprinted and are glad it is finally here! Essential title.
"I know of no other compilation which balances verbally and visually the history, people, and work of modern typography."
Muriel Cooper
"Nothing could be more useful than this book to focus on all the brilliant personalities that contributed to the creation of a new language in typography. . . . This book is a must for students of design, as it is for professionals to evaluate the origins of modern typography before we take the next step."
Massimo Vignelli
"A book which I cannot recommend strongly enough to everyone interested in the history of modern typography."
Dick Dooijes, Drukkersweekblad
Dimensions: 8.75? x 9.125? (inches) Pages: 164 Edition: Softcover Languages: English ISBN: 0262693038
