From the Dawn of Barter in the Ancient World to the Visualized Conception of Today

“I was motivated to write something on the history of visual communication by the insight that from the beginning man has used images as a defence against his inner and outer world, his fears of a threatening environment. At the time I knew of no book that dealt with this subject.” —Josef Müller-Brockmann, interview with Yvonne Schwemer-Scheddin

This book, originally published in 1971, is a chronological sequencing of images and text that trace the richness of visual communication. Considered one of the first systematic outlines of the history of visual communication, this revised version from 1986 has been supplemented by one additional chapter which touches on computer-aided design. Müller-Brockmann's History establishes a reference to the past through the inclusion of contemporary works and various technical means. Straightforward advertising is juxtaposed with more experimental work that has influenced the way generations of designers think, and both are considered alongside artistic works that have influenced the formation of style. Includes an index.

Layout and jacket design by Josef Müller-Brockmann

Published by Niggli, 1986

In English and German

Hardcover, 168 pages, 280 illustrations, black & white, 11.5 × 9 inches

ISBN: 978-3-7212-0188-8