Throughout the turbulent events of the last century and a half, graphic design, with its vibrant and clear synthesis of image and idea, has captured the spirit of each era. We are constantly confronted with it, whether in minimalist packaging, colorful advertisements, environmental graphics, or user interfaces. Graphic design not only conveys information but also reflects the aspirations and values ​​of a society.

This compendium, published as part of our " Basic Art " series, traces the development of graphic design from its beginnings in the 1890s to the present day. Drawing on his extensive expertise, author Jens Müller has compiled hundreds of examples from around the world and organized them chronologically.

Each chapter also includes introductions to significant movements and important publications, as well as short biographies of design luminaries such as Massimo Vignelli (New York subway wayfinding system), Otl Aicher (Lufthansa identity), Paula Scher (Citibank identity), Milton Glaser (I Love New York), Louise Fili (packaging design) and Stefan Sagmeister (handwritten posters).

This compact yet authoritative collection reflects the evolution of a creative field that is constantly changing and challenging itself. The design classics curated by Müller serve as coordinates for understanding the undeniable influence of graphic design on our daily lives. The book is both a practical introduction and a well-researched study of how graphic design shapes our choices, from the products we buy and the media we consume to our behavior and self-perception.