Graphic Classics

Discover 500 of the world’s greatest graphic designs in one big, bold, and brilliant volume

This deep dive into graphic design history presents the work of more than 400 designers across 33 countries and 5 continents, with work dating back to the 14th century.

Reimagined from the Phaidon best-seller Graphic: 500 Designs that Matter, the book’s dizzying array of designs range from the Gutenberg Bible to Joy Division album art, with work by both anonymous creators and industry icons such as Aleksandr Rodchenko, Paul Rand, Paula Scher, Ahn Sang-soo, and Julia Born.

The generous format and two-part design structure allows designs to be shown in detail, with large images up front and a 300+ word text for each entry in the back – making this equal parts picture and reading book. A design category key adds functionality while indicating the sheer variety of disciplines at work within one medium, from advertising and information design to posters, books, magazines, and logos.

This book is the perfect reference guide for design and art lovers, enthusiasts, and professionals at any stage of their careers, as well as all those interested in and impacted by visual communication.

Carefully revised to bring every detail up to date, organized chronologically, and with the addition of 50 new examples that highlight designers reshaping the graphic culture of today, this collection is more comprehensive, compelling – and relevant – than ever before.

Featured designers include: Reza Abedini, Otl Aicher, Herbert Bayer, Max Bill, Laurenz Brunner, A. M. Cassandre, Joseph Churchward, Alan Fletcher, Federica Fragapane, Graphic Thought Facility, Béla Horovitz, Eric Hu, Shira Inbar, Tibor Kalman, Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., Frith Kerr and Amelia Noble, Anita Klinz, El Lissitzky, George Lois, Karel Martens, Bruno Munari, Nontsikelelo Mutiti, Hassan Rahim, Aleksandr Rodchenko, Stefan Sagmeister, Koichi Sato, Paula Scher, Elena Serrano, Ladislav Sutnar, Ikko Tanaka, Jan Tschichold, Carol Twombly, Jop van Bennekom, Andy Warhol, and Tao Yuan-qing.

Review

‘Remarkably vast … This book is a powerhouse of inspiration, not to mention an overwhelming collection of the raw materials that have shaped decades of designers.’ – Fast Company

'For fans of instant graphic gratification ... feels like a well-curated Instagram account brought to life, with the sheer diversity of work on display illustrating the magpie mind of modern visual culture.' – Wallpaper

'Serves as a testament to Phaidon's commitment to preserving and celebrating graphic storytelling's greatest masterpieces.' –BlogHerald