Graphic Design, Referenced: A Visual Guide to the Language, Applications, and History of Graphic Design
Gomez-Palacio, Bryony & Armin Vit. Graphic Design, Referenced. Rockport: Quayside. 2009. 400p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-59253-447-0. $50. GRAPHIC ARTSA major challenge of comprehensive books on graphic design is to fit the numerous dimensions of the field into a work that is logical and readable. The authors of this book, both founders of UnderConsideration, an online graphic design networking site, provide an accessible overview of graphic design in a very browsable format. Its success is owing to a general-to-specific subcategorization based on four main ideas: principles (typography, color, etc.); knowledge (important books, journals, schools, and repositories); representatives (notable designers, firms, and typefaces); and practice (design applied to book and music jackets, posters, products, etc.). Each entry includes full-color illustrations with one- or two-paragraph discussions on the related concepts. The index is thorough, and a brief illustrated time line at the book’s beginning is also nice.VERDICTHighly recommended for design students as a supplement to the core texts mentioned above --Library Journal, September 2009