Karl Gerstner: Review of 5 x 10 Years of Graphic Design [2001, English Edition]

Karl Gerstner: Review of 5 x 10 Years of Graphic Design etc. by Karl Gerstner, edited by Manfred Kröplien, 2001. Hatje Cantz, Germany. English edition, 9.375 x 11.75, pp. 256. Printed in Germany. Highly recommended!

The definitive* book on one of Switzerland’s foremost graphic designers, Karl Gerstner (1930–2017), in which he recounts fifty years of active work. The ups and downs of his professional life are vividly illustrated with samples of work, both realized and rejected. Richly illustrated with (650) mostly color works, many printed large with detailed and thoughtful captions ... “not how it should be done, but rather how he [Gerstner] did it.”

*In a letter i received from Karl Gerstner in 2008, he stated: “what i had to say about my design activity, i’ve said in my book 5 x 10 years of graphic design.”

A Foreword by Kröplien with all remaining text by Gerstner. (2) Introductions: a lecture presented at the annual conference of Swiss Art Historians in Zürich and Prelude to the Beginning. (5) Chapters: The Fifties: Storm and Stress; The Sixties: GGK; The Seventies: Solo Again; The Eighties: Corporate Identities; and The Nineties: Odd-Job Designer. With (2) Intermezzos: Visual Language and A Short Typology of Logos and Labels. The final texts tackle: Good Design – What is it? and The Art Director.

A near fine hardcover with only a hint of wear. In the original very good dust jacket with light handling and a few light scratches. A well preserved, thoughtful book!