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Meggs' History of Graphic Design 6th Edition
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Meggs' History of Graphic Design is the industry's unparalleled, award-winning reference. With over 1,400 high-quality images throughout, this visually stunning text guides you through a saga of artistic innovators, breakthrough technologies, and groundbreaking developments that define the graphic design field. The initial publication of this book was heralded as a publishing landmark, and author Philip B. Meggs is credited with significantly shaping the academic field of graphic design.
Meggs presents compelling, comprehensive information enclosed in an exquisite visual format. The text includes classic topics such as the invention of writing and alphabets, the origins of printing and typography, and the advent of postmodern design. This new sixth edition has also been updated to provide:
- The latest key developments in web, multimedia, and interactive design
- Expanded coverage of design in Asia and the Middle East
- Emerging design trends and technologies
- Timelines framed in a broader historical context to help you better understand the evolution of contemporary graphic design
- Extensive ancillary materials including an instructor's manual, expanded image identification banks, flashcards, and quizzes
You can't master a field without knowing the history. Meggs' History of Graphic Design presents an all-inclusive, visually spectacular arrangement of graphic design knowledge for students and professionals. Learn the milestones, developments, and pioneers of the trade so that you can shape the future.
- ISBN-101118772059
- ISBN-13978-1118772058
- Edition6th
- PublisherWiley
- Publication dateMay 16, 2016
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions8.7 x 1.7 x 11 inches
- Print length704 pages
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Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
Meggs' History of Graphic Design pioneered the coupling of the words "graphic design" and "history" by developing an original narrative tracing the progression of a field originating with the development of writing and heading into the digital age. That was in 1983, and now this Sixth Edition continues the gold-standard tradition of authoritative coverage for designers in the digital age.
This unrivaled, comprehensive, and award-winning reference tool on graphic design systematically reveals the complete story of visual innovators, groundbreaking technologies, and major developments leading up to the current state of the field. Updated and expanded, this robust new edition immortalizes the cutting-edge accomplishments of designers working in the digital twenty-first century and includes more than 100 brand-new illustrations to inform and inspire designers at every level of experience. More than a showcase of artwork, this inspiring reference gives you an intimate look at how industry-moving designers:
- Took advantage of the growth and increased quality of design education to rise up and find new ways of applying time-honored design theories and methods to solve new visual challenges
- Extended their profession with self-initiated fine-arts experimentation that brought a distinctive voice to the global dialogue in a era of explosive change
- Broadened their creative palette with digital technologies that offered unprecedented ways to manipulate color, form, space, and imagery and then share the expression with the world through film, television, and the Internet
Like its predecessors, Meggs' History of Graphic Design, Sixth Edition will quickly establish itself as a most-consulted volume on the bookshelves of professionals, students, and anyone who works with or loves graphic design.
From the Back Cover
The bestselling graphic design reference updated for the digital age
Meggs' History of Graphic Design presents an all-inclusive, visually spectacular account of the people, events, and signal creations that have shaped the field of graphic design. This brilliantly imagined new Sixth Edition gives historical context to the latest trends and technologies overtaking the graphic design landscape, including developments in web, multimedia, and interactive design.
Packed with a wealth of material for inspiration and emulation, including more than 1,500 eye-catching images, this new edition unfolds as a who's-who of luminaries in the field from the early pioneers to the latest visionaries. See the evolution of graphic design from cave paintings, to the development of typography, to the emergence of American modernism, and beyond, as this visually engaging edition provides:
- A complete and up-to-date examination of design movements in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
- A revealing look at the thinking and achievements that led to today's emerging design trends and technologies
- Convenient timelines that frame the history of graphic design within the broader context of world events
The first step to mastering a profession is becoming intimately familiar with its past, and Meggs' History of Graphic Design, Sixth Edition puts it all there for you to enjoy.
About the Author
The late Philip B. Meggs is an inductee into the Art Directors Hall of Fame and received its Educator's Award for lifetime achievement. A former contributing editor to Print magazine, he authored more than a dozen books and 150 articles and papers on design and typography.
Alston W. Purvis is Professor of Visual Arts at the Boston University College of Fine Arts where he serves as Chair of the Department of Graphic Design. He is author and co-author of numerous books on graphic design history.
Product details
- Publisher : Wiley
- Publication date : May 16, 2016
- Edition : 6th
- Language : English
- Print length : 704 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1118772059
- ISBN-13 : 978-1118772058
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.7 x 1.7 x 11 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #156,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #51 in Typography (Books)
- #229 in Graphic Design Techniques
- #3,821 in Textbooks (Special Features Stores)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Philip B. Meggs is a designer, educator, and author. He is School of the Arts Research Professor, Communication Arts and Design Department, at Virginia Commonwealth University; visiting faculty at Syracuse University and the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, and a Contributing Editor to Print magazine.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Customer reviews
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Reviews with images
Rental readable, but cover in poor condition
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase"Meggs' History of Graphic Design" is nothing short of a masterpiece in the realm of design literature. It was helpful to me during all 4 years of my BFA in Graphic Design education and now 6 years later I still find myself referencing it on the daily. (The fact that it is a beautiful coffee table book does not hurt, haha)
Comprehensive and Insightful:
The depth of historical insight presented in this book is truly commendable. Meggs and Purvis guide readers through the annals of graphic design with a meticulous and comprehensive approach, making it an invaluable resource for students, professionals, and enthusiasts alike. The authors seamlessly weave together historical narratives, cultural influences, and artistic movements, offering a holistic understanding of the field's evolution.
Rich Visual Content and Thoughtful Organization:
The inclusion of a plethora of visual examples, illustrations, and design artifacts enhances the learning experience and makes it a great source of inspiration and reference book in my daily design practice. The book's structure is thoughtfully organized, making it easy to navigate through different periods and movements.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2025Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseWow, this book is blowing my mind! I didn't expect to learn so much from it. Seriously, every page is packed with info. I'm learning something new every few minutes. I'm so glad I picked this one up. Definitely worth every penny. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in this topic. It's a real hidden gem.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2021Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThis is the first textbook I actually bought AFTER being forced to read it for a class. 3/4 of the book is wonderful, full of great information and insights, and an absolute ton of great reference material for artists/designers. It will help you recognize different design periods with accuracy, and can be of great assistance when dating just about any product and understand the influences and impacts of different artists and designs on communication arts - as well as helping you make far more effective, practical designs.
That part of the book is written by the original author, Megg.
The author that took over since his death is horrendous, and pretty much ruins the end of the textbook with what feels like a complete disconnect to the subject matter. I would literally ignore the rest of the book once you start noticing the tone and voice of the writing change dramatically. Just look at the pictures there - that's about the best value in that part.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseMy review is mostly about the shipping and quality. I got a used version and it fulfilled its purpose. As for if this book is beneficial, I’d say yes. I’m not the biggest fan of how the pages are laid out but it does have useful info in here. I ended up switching majors so this may be a book I read in my own free time, I’ll sell or will sit pretty on my bookshelf.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2017Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseHighly recommended to any Design lovers to learn about the origins of Graphic design. I had to rent this updated edition, but I already have the 4th one which is slightly different. I love this complete book full of illustrations and very useful if you have a lack of inspiration. Yes we never cease to reinvent and re-adapt, re-adjust, re-create, but in a new context and with different tools to communicate visually, colorfully, concisely and intelligibly to different, but multicultural audiences all over the world. Yes, It does means we still have creativity! This book is really a good example of great design from the very beginning to the latest years of GD. Very interesting and a must to understand the most important concepts. Great!!!!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThe book is amazing, however it came a bit damaged. The dust cover was damaged (especially on the corners)
- Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2022Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThe book is an interesting read so far and I am happy with the price I paid to rent the book for the semester. I was surprised to see how worn the cover was when the book arrived yesterday. The covers are beginning to separate from the spine. I'm worried Amazon won't take the book back when I'm done. I'm leaving this review with photos to prove it came to me this way.
5.0 out of 5 starsThe book is an interesting read so far and I am happy with the price I paid to rent the book for the semester. I was surprised to see how worn the cover was when the book arrived yesterday. The covers are beginning to separate from the spine. I'm worried Amazon won't take the book back when I'm done. I'm leaving this review with photos to prove it came to me this way.Rental readable, but cover in poor condition
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2022
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2022Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThis book is a MUST for Graphic Designers (in my opinion.) Recently, an incredible young woman I was mentoring graduated with her degree — this book was the perfect gift. It's not digital - it's a hard copy, which is something a true graphic designer can appreciate.
My copy is an older edition, but remains a powerful resource.
I truly can't recommend this book enough.
Top reviews from other countries
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RuyReviewed in Spain on September 26, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Ótima Livro!
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseÓtimo para consultar.
Goran MileticReviewed in Sweden on October 9, 20225.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseAll recommendationa dor the excellwnt book!
mart0924Reviewed in Canada on August 15, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for school
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThe book is a much better price here than it is at school. Very happy with the purchase.
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FabianaReviewed in Brazil on October 18, 20185.0 out of 5 stars Incrível
Format: eTextbookVerified PurchaseÓtimo conteúdo e referência histórica. uma pena não ter em português.
Michael AnderssonReviewed in France on July 7, 20161.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy this book!
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseAn important part of this book is the online resource which was the whole reason to why i bought it.
However, the online resource portal is still under development and you wont get any access to it.
Basically Wiley is marketing something that is non excisting, fraud if you ask me.
Dont buy this book!

















