PM: An Intimate Journal for Production Managers, Art Directors and their Associates [Lester Beall]

PM: An Intimate Journal for Production Managers, Art Directors and their Associates, Vol. IV, No. 3, November, 1937. Edited by Robert L. Leslie and Percy Seitlin. PM Publishing Co., New York. 5.375 x 7.875, pp. 64 plus trade advertising. Iconic cover design by Lester Beall. PM (later called A-D for art director) was America's leading trade journal exhibiting ambitious work and Modern sensibilities by influential practitioners between 1934–42.

This issue features an early, (16) page printed insert devoted to (and designed by) the American pioneer of modern graphic designer, Lester Beall. A thoughtful Introduction by Charles Coiner, Art Director, N. W. Ayer & Son about the current methods of advertising design and Beall‘s contribution “... for directness and clarity of expression are the keynotes of his work. Elimination of all unnecessary details and instant understanding by the reader are very important to him.”

The Lester Beall insert is illustrated with (21) black and white and one double-page spread with red work examples including: illustration, advertising, cover and interior page designs, packaging, poster, and others. With a full-page, advertisement designed by Beall for Sterling Engraving Co. of New York who also provide the plates for the insert. Additional articles unrelated to Beall are included: Type Designs of the Past and Present by Stanley Morison, Printing in the Americas by John Clyde Oswald and more.

A very good, original vintage journal with light soiling to the front cover, and a small scrape to the lower black letter “M” resulting in paper loss. A slight diagonal crease to the last few pages and black back cover which has a 3” split on the heel of the spine and is starting to pull from binding; fragile. Interior pages are bright and well preserved.