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Moderns

Midcentury American Graphic Design

Steven Heller author Greg D'Onofrio author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Abrams

Published:19th Sep '17

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Moderns cover

This book provides a detailed exploration of the influential designers who shaped Mid-Century Modern graphic design in America, known as Moderns.

In Moderns, readers are introduced to the pioneers of Mid-Century Modern graphic design in America. This comprehensive survey showcases the talents of over 60 influential designers, each contributing to the visual landscape of postwar America through their innovative work in magazines, books, advertisements, and more. The book features richly illustrated profiles, many of which are based on firsthand interviews, allowing readers to gain insight into the minds of these creative individuals.

The journey through Moderns reveals a diverse group of artists, including both émigrés from Europe and native talents, all of whom were captivated by the vibrant aesthetics of the time. Their love for elemental typography, bold primary colors, and dynamic geometric forms is evident in their designs, which have left a lasting impact on the field. Some designers are already well-known, while others are highlighted for the first time, showcasing the breadth of talent that defined this influential movement.

As readers delve into the pages of Moderns, they will discover how these designers not only shaped a distinctive visual style but also contributed to a cultural shift in America. The book serves as both a tribute to their legacy and an exploration of the principles that continue to influence graphic design today.

“As a fan of what is frequently labelled ‘mid-century modern’, I’ve hoped for years for a book that would do the graphic design of the era justice and really scratch below the surface. Luckily, The Moderns absolutely doesn’t disappoint.” * Theo Inglis, Creative Review *
“I am impressed by the editorial structure. The preliminary chapter on émigrés is very informative. Also, the chapter headed 'Homegrown' includes a number of deserving individuals whom I knew nothing of, other than rare chance glimpses of some individual unattributed pieces.” * Professor Ian McLaren, Member of the 1972 Munich Olympic design team *
“Among some of the more noteworthy names are Paul Rand and Alexey Brodovitch, however, the book also includes the work of many ‘true discoveries’, designers whose work although not widely documented, very much contributed to and helped shape this monumental phenomenon.” * Ruby Boddington, It’s Nice That *
“I love this book so much. It’s almost as if you had downloaded my brain and retro-engineered a book where I would just plotz over every single illustration. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” * Michael Bierut, Pentagram Design *
This lavishly illustrated book is a veritable behemoth of midcentury graphic design magnificence. It's a comprehensive resource for students, and a deliciously striking read for anyone interested in this fascinating period of design. * Emily Gosling, AIGA Eye on Design *

ISBN: 9781419724015

Dimensions: 276mm x 248mm x 32mm

Weight: 2230g

336 pages