Jens Müller's new book is the most comprehensive exploration of graphic design to date

Through the turbulent passage of time, graphic design – with its vivid, neat synthesis of image and idea – has distilled the spirit of each age. Surrounding us every minute of every day, from minimalist packaging to colourful adverts, smart environmental graphics to sleek interfaces: graphic design is as much about transmitting information as it is about reflecting society’s cultural aspirations and values.

“Unknown Pleasures”, Joy Division, promotional sticker, United Kingdom, 1979 Design: Peter Saville (United Kingdom)

“Unknown Pleasures”, Joy Division, promotional sticker, United Kingdom, 1979 Design: Peter Saville (United Kingdom)

The History of Graphic Design. Vol. 2, 1960–Today rounds off the most comprehensive exploration of graphic design to date, spanning from the 1960s until today. About 3,500 seminal designs from across the globe guide us in this visual map through contemporary history, from the establishment of the International Style to the rise of the groundbreaking digital age.

Kieler Woche, poster, Germany, 1964 Design: Hans Hillmann (Germany)

Kieler Woche, poster, Germany, 1964 Design: Hans Hillmann (Germany)

Knoll International, poster, United States, 1967 Design: Vignelli Associates (United States)

Knoll International, poster, United States, 1967 Design: Vignelli Associates (United States)

I Love NY More Than Ever, poster, 2001 Designer: Milton Glaser (United States)

I Love NY More Than Ever, poster, 2001 Designer: Milton Glaser (United States)

Around 80 key pieces go under the microscope in detailed analyses alongside over a hundred biographies of the era’s most important designers, including Massimo Vignelli (New York subway wayfinding system), Otl Aicher (Lufthansa identity), Paula Scher (Citibank brand identity), Neville Brody (The Face magazine), Kashiwa Sato (Uniqlo brand identity), and Stefan Sagmeister (handwriting posters).

With his sweeping knowledge of the field, author Jens Müller curates the standout designs for each year alongside a running sequence of design milestones. Organised chronologically, each decade is prefaced by a succinct overview as well as a stunning visual timeline, offering a vivid display of the variety of graphic production in each decade as well as the global landscape which it at once described and defined.

Prljavo Kazalište, record cover, Croatia (former Yugoslavia), 1979 Design: Mirko Ilić (Bosnia and Herzegovina/United States)

Prljavo Kazalište, record cover, Croatia (former Yugoslavia), 1979 Design: Mirko Ilić (Bosnia and Herzegovina/United States)

Pharenheit Festival de Danse, poster, France, 2017 Design: Anette Lenz (Germany/France)

Pharenheit Festival de Danse, poster, France, 2017 Design: Anette Lenz (Germany/France)

p. 335 “Set The Twilight Reeling”, Lou Reed, poster, United States, 1996 Design: Stefan Sagmeister (Austria/United States)

p. 335 “Set The Twilight Reeling”, Lou Reed, poster, United States, 1996 Design: Stefan Sagmeister (Austria/United States)

It's a collection of important graphic works that represents a long-overdue reflection on the development of a creative field constantly changing and challenging itself. The key pieces on display also act as coordinates through contemporary history, helping us trace the sheer influence and impact of graphic design on our daily lives.

The History of Graphic Design. Vol. 2, 1960–Today

The History of Graphic Design. Vol. 2, 1960–Today

The History of Graphic Design. Vol. 2, 1960–Today by Jens Müller is published by Taschen. Priced at £50.

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