Top Design History and Critical Perspectives

The best Design History & Criticism includes The Work of Art: Creating from Nothing (Paperback), Bauhaus: 1919-1933 Archiv Berlin Edition, Multilingual Edition: 40th History of Graphic Design and many others as mentioned below.

1

The Work of Art: Creating from Nothing (Paperback)

  • New York Times bestseller of 2024.
  • One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books.
  • Illuminating conversations with renowned artists.
  • Explores the process of making art.
  • Features sketches and journal entries from artists.
  • A guided tour inside the artist's mind.
  • Perfect gift for art lovers and enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.07
2

Bauhaus: 1919-1933 Archiv Berlin Edition

  • Explores Bauhaus influence on modern art and design.
  • Features 575 illustrations of Bauhaus works.
  • Showcases key figures like Walter Gropius and Paul Klee.
  • Covers Bauhaus history across Weimar, Dessau, and Berlin.
  • Highlights fusion of art, technology, and craftsmanship.
  • Defines Bauhaus as a trailblazer of Modernism.
  • Includes diverse media from theater to ceramics.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $23.25
  • Material: 3 positive
3

Multilingual Edition: 40th History of Graphic Design

  • Explore graphic design's evolution through history.
  • Showcases significant design milestones year by year.
  • Melds image and idea to reflect society.
  • Curated by expert Jens Müller for insightful perspective.
  • Highlights cultural aspirations and values in design.
  • Essential for design enthusiasts and historians alike.
  • Visually captivating collection of iconic graphic works.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.25
4

Everyday Design: A Guide to the Invisible City

  • A bestselling urban design guidebook.
  • Explores hidden elements of city life.
  • Written by 99% Invisible podcast creators.
  • Features fascinating stories of everyday design.
  • Beautiful illustrations enhance understanding and engagement.
  • A must-read for design and urban enthusiasts.
  • Transforms your perception of urban environments.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.96
5

Signs and Symbols: Origins and Meanings Guide

  • Decode over 2000 signs and symbols.
  • Explore origins and meanings of visual language.
  • Learn symbolism in architecture and heraldry.
  • Discover cultural significance of gestures and attire.
  • Understand historical ties of gemstones and flowers.
  • Unravel the mysteries behind national flags.
  • Gain insights into everyday symbols in life.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.96
  • Color: 7 positive
6

All American Ads: 80s Edition (TASCHEN)

  • Explore vibrant 1980s advertising culture.
  • Nostalgic journey through iconic pop culture moments.
  • Features famous brands and memorable campaigns.
  • Captures the flamboyance of the decade.
  • Perfect for fans of retro design and history.
  • Celebrates the "Me Generation" and Yuppie lifestyle.
  • Illustrated with vivid imagery and engaging layouts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.37
7

Little Book of Miu Miu Fashion

  • Explores Miu Miu's unique fashion journey.
  • Features over 100 iconic fashion images.
  • Highlights daring and unconventional designs.
  • Showcases celebrity favorites like Sydney Sweeney.
  • Combines expert text with stunning visuals.
  • Ideal for fashion enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Captures the essence of 'anti-fashion' style.
  • Price Range: $16.95
8

Mid-Century Modern Design Sourcebook [Complete Guide]

  • Ultimate guide to mid-century modern design.
  • Over 1,000 rich illustrations included.
  • Covers furniture, lighting, ceramics, and textiles.
  • Features nearly 100 influential designers.
  • Organized into three comprehensive sections.
  • Includes thirteen expert essays for insights.
  • Perfect for collectors and design enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $36.21
9

The Design Book (DK Big Ideas)

  • Explores key design ideas and innovations.
  • Presents over 90 celebrated design concepts.
  • Places designs in historical and cultural context.
  • Analyzes principles behind pioneering designs.
  • Illustrates evolution of design through centuries.
  • Showcases influential designers and manufacturers.
  • Features clear explanations and engaging infographics.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.99
10

What Design Can't Do: Essays on Disillusion

  • Witty essays on design’s potentials and pitfalls.
  • Explores disillusion as a valuable design perspective.
  • Discusses skepticism in everyday design practices.
  • Humorous visuals critique design expectations versus reality.
  • Thoughtful dichotomies on design's contradictions explored.
  • Author Silvio Lorusso's academic expertise enriches insights.
  • Engaging read for design professionals and enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.89
11

Little Book of Burberry: Iconic Fashion Story

  • Explore Burberry's rich fashion heritage since 1856.
  • Showcases iconic trench coats and distinctive check patterns.
  • Features stunning photographs of designs and details.
  • Spotlights 'Burberry Girls' like Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss.
  • Captures the blend of tradition and innovation.
  • Essential reference for fashion enthusiasts and designers.
  • Unveils the story behind a legendary brand.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.99
12

Little Book of Loewe (Fashion Series)

  • Explores Loewe's avant-garde accessories and designs.
  • Features iconic items like the Puzzle bag.
  • Showcases over 100 stunning fashion photographs.
  • Highlights Jonathan Anderson's creative direction and vision.
  • Documents Loewe's cultural impact and celebrity endorsements.
  • Engaging text reveals the brand's timeless craftsmanship.
  • A must-have for fashion enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.95
13

99% Invisible City: Everyday Design Uncovered

  • Explore hidden design elements of urban environments.
  • From the creators of 99% Invisible podcast.
  • Captivating stories behind everyday city features.
  • Narrated by the insightful Roman Mars.
  • Deeply researched entries for curious minds.
  • Bonus Q&A and full episode included.
  • Perfect for design and architecture enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.04
14

Why the Hindenburg Featured a Smoking Lounge (eBook)

  • Explores unintended consequences of human ingenuity.
  • Essays by bestselling author Edward Tenner.
  • Examines historical surprises from technology and design.
  • Connects past events to modern technological issues.
  • Features new introductions for deeper insights.
  • Topics range from safety to consumer marketing.
  • Engaging essays that provoke thought and discussion.
  • Price Range: $19.22
15

Emotional Design: Understanding Everyday Objects

  • Explore the psychology behind design and emotions.
  • Learn why attractive objects enhance user experience.
  • Understand human-centered design principles effectively.
  • Discover how emotions influence our choices and actions.
  • Gain insights from real-world examples and applications.
  • Empower your design to express identity and connection.
  • Achieve better outcomes with affective and effective tools.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.79
16

Multilingual Edition: Jazz Covers (40th)

  • Celebrates iconic jazz album cover designs.
  • Showcases covers from 1940s to 1990s.
  • Combines music history with design innovation.
  • Features 40 dynamic jazz cover artworks.
  • Includes detailed fact sheets for each cover.
  • Inspires creativity and cultural appreciation.
  • A must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.36
17

Little Book of Celine: Iconic Fashion House

  • Explores Celine's origins in 1940s Paris.
  • Highlights Phoebe Philo's groundbreaking contributions.
  • Showcases iconic designs like the Trapeze bag.
  • Features 100 stunning images of Celine's creations.
  • Captures the essence of luxe sportswear.
  • Expert insights into the fashion house's evolution.
  • Perfect for fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike.
  • Price Range: $16.95
18

The Beauty of Everyday Things (Modern Classics)

  • Explores Japanese philosophy of everyday aesthetics.
  • Highlights beauty in simplicity and imperfection.
  • Promotes craftsmanship over mass-produced items.
  • Encourages respect for everyday objects.
  • Defends the value of handcrafted creations.
  • Inspired by traditional artisans from Japan and Korea.
  • A timeless classic for design enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.48
19

500 Years of Timepieces: 100 Iconic Watches

  • Elegant selection of one hundred historic watches.
  • Organized chronologically by century for easy navigation.
  • Features exquisite photography of each timepiece.
  • Highlights unique designs and technical innovations.
  • Appeals to collectors and amateur watch enthusiasts.
  • Includes iconic watches from renowned brands.
  • Explores the art and science of horology.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $41.60
20

The History of Louis Vuitton Luggage

  • Explores Louis Vuitton's iconic luggage history.
  • Details craftsmanship of luxurious travel pieces.
  • Highlights evolution from box-making to modern designs.
  • Features the famous Monogram canvas and lock.
  • Showcases iconic models like the Speedy and steamer trunk.
  • Captures the essence of stylish travel.
  • Perfect for fashion and travel enthusiasts alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.75
21

Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge (1 Paperback)

  • Explores unintended consequences of human ingenuity.
  • Essays by bestselling author Edward Tenner.
  • Analyzes historical technological surprises and paradoxes.
  • Discusses influence of lifeboats on future tragedies.
  • Examines wild animals as unexpected investors.
  • Highlights Amish artisans' role in advanced technology.
  • Connects history with modern technological challenges.
  • Price Range: $33.20
22

1000 Design Classics by Phaidon Editors

  • Features 1,000 iconic design masterpieces.
  • Includes items from 1663 to today.
  • Highlights diverse designers and innovative products.
  • Beautiful imagery accompanies every product entry.
  • Revised and updated with new design classics.
  • Essential reference for design enthusiasts and professionals.
  • Explores history and context of each design.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $51.99
23

Design: The Ultimate Visual Guide (Second Edition)

  • Comprehensive visual guide to design history.
  • Explores key designers and movements through time.
  • Features stunning images of iconic design objects.
  • Includes timelines of significant design movements.
  • Highlights influential figures like Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • Showcases innovation in various design fields.
  • Perfect gift for design enthusiasts of all ages.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $50.00
24

The Design Book (DK Big Ideas)

  • Explore key design ideas and innovations.
  • Introduction to design concepts and movements.
  • Historical and cultural context of each design.
  • Profiles of influential designers and manufacturers.
  • Insight into various design movements and philosophies.
  • Combination of clear explanations and infographics.
  • Reveals hidden stories behind great designs.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.30
25

Bottega Veneta: Iconic Fashion House Story

  • Rich heritage since 1966 in luxury fashion.
  • Famous for distinctive Intrecciato woven leather design.
  • Iconic products include Cabat and Knot bags.
  • Celebrity favorites worn by Nicole Kidman and Rihanna.
  • Understated elegance and timeless sophistication define brand.
  • Creative Director Matthiew Blazy leads innovative collections.
  • Recognized for exquisite craftsmanship and quality materials.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.29
26

Alphonse Mucha: Masterworks by Rosalind Ormiston

  • Explore Alphonse Mucha's iconic Art Nouveau style.
  • Featuring stunning images of women in arabesque poses.
  • Showcases a range of paintings, posters, and designs.
  • Accompanies artwork with concise, informative text.
  • Perfect for art lovers and history enthusiasts.
  • High-quality reproduction of Mucha's masterful works.
  • A great addition to any art collection.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.69
  • Color: 8 positive
27

Vienna Secession Design and Lettering 1902-1911

  • Complete facsimile reprint of Die Fläche magazine.
  • Showcases graphic modernism from Vienna Secession.
  • Features bold design ideas and technical experiments.
  • Includes works by leading graphic artists and students.
  • Rich sourcebook for posters, advertisements, and prints.
  • New essays and translations enhance historical context.
  • First volume in Letterform Archive’s facsimile series.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $68.49
28

Emotional Design: Love for Everyday Objects

  • Explores psychology in design and technology.
  • Illustrates emotional connections with everyday objects.
  • Focuses on user needs over designer aesthetics.
  • Addresses visceral reactions and behavioral choices.
  • Promotes identity expression through design.
  • Demonstrates how attractive designs enhance functionality.
  • Guides inventors and consumers in effective design.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.04
29

Design as Art by Bruno Munari

  • Insightful exploration of modern design's artistic potential.
  • Written by influential designer Bruno Munari.
  • Focuses on beauty, functionality, and accessibility in design.
  • Covers diverse subjects like typography, lamps, and advertising.
  • Engaging and enlightening visual journey through design.
  • Celebrated as a Penguin Classic in design literature.
  • Recommended for design enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.81
30

Ornamental Design Reference for Artists & Designers

  • 138 high-resolution ornamental designs included.
  • Ideal for artists, designers, and craftsmen.
  • Restored images for diverse creative applications.
  • Instant download link for high-resolution files.
  • Curated by acclaimed designer Kale James.
  • Perfect for tattoos, graphic design, and fine art.
  • Elevate your artwork with timeless inspirations.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.99