Pioneers of Modern Typography by Herbert Spencer [1st American Ed., 1970 — Recommended]

Pioneers of Modern Typography by Herbert Spencer, 1st American ed., 1970. Hastings House, New York. 8.5 x 12, pp. 160. Made and printed in Great Britain by Lund Humphries, Bradford and London. Designed by Herbert Spencer.

An early, essential reference to the avant-garde origins of modern graphic design and typography. Spencer’s extensive introduction discusses graphic design’s roots in the early decades of the twentieth century. He carefully traces the influences and figures associated with modern movements including: Suprematism, Futurism, Dada, De Stijl, Constructivism, Bauhaus and others. With designers’ quotes, key figure biographical information, captions throughout and a short bibliography.

Beautifully printed in color and a variety of stocks. Heavily illustrated with over 160 modern design and typography examples (many large and full page) examining the “heroic” period. Including works from (46) designers: Guillaume Apollinaire, Herbert Bayer, Henryk Berlewi, Max Bill, Walter Dexel, Theo van Doesburg, Raoul Hausmann, Hannah Höch, Ilya Zdanevitch, El Lissitzky, F.T. Marinetti, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Alexander Rodchenko, Paul Schuitema, Kurt Schwitters, Ardengo Soffici, Kate Steinitz, Wladyslaw Strzeminski, Ladislav Sutnar, Jan Tschichold, H.N. Werkman, Piet Zwart and others. A seminal book; the 1st edition hardcover with jacket is always recommended!

A nearly fine yellow hardcover in its’ original very good or better dust jacket with light wear to the corners and spine. Some creasing and wear to the laminated jacket along the spine juncture. Interior pages are clean and bright with a sturdy binding.