Graphic Style: From Victorian to Post-Modern

Graphic Style: From Victorian to Digital has been the textbook for my online History of Graphic Design classes at Parsons School of Design and The New School Media Studies Program for ten years. Steven Heller, brilliant art director, journalist, critic, author and editor, provides a thoughtful overview of every important period as well as detailed information about legendary graphic designers. He and Seymour Chawst have chosen perfect illustrations to demonstrate style characteristics for each era. Heller's introduction alone is worth the price of the book.

I ordered this book for a graphic design class. It opened my eyes to the history of graphic design.

The book was an enjoyable read accompanied by many images. I would recommend this for anyone who is in a graphic design history class.

I stole my copy from a friend and never returned it! This is one of the best reference books for historical graphic design styles. The book is very well organized, and contains quite a few color illustrations. It has given me hours of inspiration when I have an assignemnt to do for a client. They have examples of everything from Victorian packaging to Psychedelic poster art. This book would make an ideal gift for a student just learning the field, or an old pro that has been around for years.

This book is essential reading for anyone remotely interested in graphic design. I use it as a reference for my students in graphic design classes. It's a beautifully concise summary of the history of graphic design styles - and gives visual examples as well as background information connected to the social forces that shaped the trends examined. If you are a student - it's a great first taste of the styles and movements that influence current graphic designers. If you are currently working in the field - it's a must have reference book.