Graphisme. 1890Aujourd'hui
By (Author) Jens Mller
Taschen GmbH
Taschen GmbH
10th August 2025
Germany
Hardback
96
Width 210mm, Height 260mm
589g
Through the turbulent events of the last century-and-a-half, graphic design-with its vivid, neat synthesis of image and idea-has distilled the spirit of each age. It surrounds us every minute of the day, from minimalist packaging to colorful adverts, environmental graphics to sleek interfaces: graphic design is as much about reflecting society's aspirations and values as it is about transmitting information.
Now published as part of our popular Basic Art series, this vibrant compendium lays out the evolution of graphic design from its inception in the 1890s up until the present day. Using his sweeping knowledge of the field, author Jens Mller has curated hundreds of examples from across the globe, arranged by decade.
Each chapter also includes thumbnails of significant movements and influential publications, plus concise biographies of design masterminds like Massimo Vignelli (New York subway wayfinding), Otl Aicher (Lufthansa identity), Paula Scher (Citibank identity), Milton Glaser (I Love New York), Louise Fili (packaging), and Stefan Sagmeister (handwritten posters).
This succinct but authoritative collection reflects on the development of a creative field that is constantly changing and challenging itself. The design classics Mller has curated act as coordinates, helping to trace the incontrovertible influence of graphic design on our daily lives. It's both a handy primer and an informed exploration of how graphic design shapes our choices, from the products we buy and the media we consume, to how we behave and think of ourselves.
Chronicle, treasure of pictures, source of ideas-and above all, great fun. * spiegel.de *
Jens Mller was born in Koblenz, Germany, in 1982 and studied graphic design. Recipient of numerous national and international design awards, he is a partner of Vista design studio in Dsseldorf and professor of corporate design at the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts.