Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design Hardcover – May 7, 2019

A solid survey of mid-century graphics. There might be more comprehensive books on the topic out there, but this one is batting 95% and is a good value. A worthy addition to any graphic design book collection

This book is a beautiful, thick, highly professional and handsome hardcover compendium of illustrations taken from about the period of 1948---1966. Reproduced here and printed expertly. Full color examples throughout of the work of some illustrators whose names you know (e.g. Alvin Lustig and Jim Flora) and others whom you do not, all of them working in the slightly quirky style and particular colors of the 50's and early-60's. Do note that these are all the work of esteemed professional illustrators-- the book does not contain, say, cheezy labels, ads or kitschy ephemera. Some of it borders upon the "fugly"... but that's entirely the point, right? A lot of it reminds me of the children's books I owned as a small kid in the 1960's. Much of it has a retro "Populuxe" quality, which will be useful to modern designers seeking to recreate this look on their own (a-la SHAG and Derek Yaniger, etc.). Do note that it includes no "60's Mod" stuff, ie., stuff done after about 1963--64. No, this is all just before that.

If you are of a certain aqe, as I am, someone who grew up during the era of Mid-Century Modern, this book is a double treat. First it is a walk down "Memory Lane." More importantly it is an comprehensive compilation of much of the great commercial work that was done in that era. A warning: my basic test for art books is to weigh the amount of text against the illustrations. I don't want to read about the work, I want to see it. This book grades out as an A+! Although there is work from a number of Europeans presented, my impression is that the focus is American/British artists. Finally, the quality of the images in the book is excellent. If you are interested in the period or want to learn about it, buy this book.

Love the book, it has some great content in it. For me it was just what I was looking for.But you should be warned.This is really an illustration book masquerading as a graphic design book. Basically all the content in it is loaded with illustration and design really takes a back seat. Like I said, this was just what I was looking for, but you may be disappointed if you were looking for a real meat and potatoes book on MCM graphic design specifically.

I recommend this book to fans of all things Mid-Century Modern, and obviously to those primarily interested in MCM graphic design. A detailed/well-written history of MCM graphic design side-by-side with gorgeous and colorful examples of the art form. This would be an excellent reference book for graphic designers and commercial illustrators. Amazon has a great price on this book -- I bought one for myself and another as a gift for my sister who keeps it on her coffee table and refers to it often.

Well researched and incredibly gorgeous, this book will inspire me for a long time. There are sections for album covers, book covers, posters, and other things. I would have liked to see more attention paid to furniture but the amount of photos of print media was well worth the money. I bought a copy for my sister and am encouraging my fellow teachers in art and music to by one as well.

Poorly titled. A beautiful book, nonetheless.

I purchased this for my husband's B day. He is a Creative Director and Graphic Designer, so this was the perfect gift. It is a smaller sized book, but the wealth of images and information is HUGE.