Design Fundamentals by Robert Gillam Scott [Elaine Lustig Cohen]

Design Fundamentals by Robert Gillam Scott, 1951. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York. 1st ed., 7.5 x 10.25, pp. 200. Scott was an Associate Professor, Department of Design Division of the Arts, at Yale University.

This book originated as a course in basic design given by the author at [Sophie] Newcomb Memorial College of Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; the same course the pioneering modern designer and artist Elaine Lustig Cohen was enrolled in c. 1944–46; before eventually transferring to the University of Southern California.

In her oral history, Elaine recalled her teacher; “a man by the name of [Robert] Scott, and he taught a basic design class, much like [Josef] Albers, or [László] Moholy-Nagy. Based on Bauhaus teaching.” Additionally, a letter dated March 16, 1950 to Alvin Lustig (who loaned an image for the book); Scott writes “I remember her [Elaine] very well as one of the few really rewarding students.”

A still relevant textbook on creative design with thirteen chapters including: What Design Is, Contrast, Figure Organization, Movement and Balance, Proportion and Rhythm, Color (multiple chapters), Depth and Plastic Illusion, Three-Dimensional Organization, Light and Movement, and Design in Action — a case-study on the design of this book. Each chapter ends with a comprehensive practical problem designed to highlight the particular significance of the material studied. Heavily illustrated throughout with mostly black and white.

A fine hardcover in its’ very good plus price clipped and moderately rubbed black dust jacket with light edge wear and small tears.