Megg's History of Graphic Design Book Review by ChristineMM

Title: Meggs' History of Graphic Design 5th Edition

Authors: Philip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis

Publication: Wiley, November 2011




My Star Rating: 5 stars out of 5 = I Love It

Summary Statement: Massive Tome of Chronologically Arranged History with 1400+ Color Illustrations - Teaching & Study Aids on Publisher's Site

Megg's History of Graphic Design 5th Edition is a massive textbook which has been expanded and improved. The page size is large: 8.5 x 11 inches, it's 600 pages long (and weighs five pounds!). The paper is high quality glossy, thick (and not see-though). Each of the 1400+ illustrations is in full color. The book is also available in eBook format.

Meggs spent over 25 years research and working on this book and after his death, Purvis has expanded the book for the 4th and 5th edition. As it always has been, this is a chronological history which starts with prehistory of early man's cave paintings then to the invention of writing and goes to the present day. This is a wide sweep, a comprehensive survey of graphic design. This 5th edition adds content for some previously unrepresented countries. It adds new information about the latest technologies such as magazines for iPad with moving graphics that breaks new ground for graphic design and makes it more complicated and enhanced.

On the publisher's website are free companion materials for teachers: study guides and sample tests and answer keys as well as study materials for students. There is also an app that can be purchased for iPhone or iPad to help students study with visual flashcards.

This book is a visual feast, filled with eye candy for graphic artists and artists to both educate and inspire. I found the writing easy to read and interesting, since I have a personal interest in this subject, it held my attention. This book is used by graphich design college course students. I'm an adult who has been teaching herself about art due to a personal curiosity and interest in the subject. It is not a dry and boring textbook. This is a unique and impressive text that people consider the Bible of graphic design history.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the Amazon.com Vine program. I was under no obligation to discuss it on my blog. For my blog's full disclosure statement see the link near the top of my blog's sidebar.