New Book on Meggs Chronicles the Chronicler

To hardcore designers–well, actually, to anyone with an abiding fondness for graphic design–Philip B. Meggs (1942-2002) needs no introduction. Most famously, with the text A History of Graphic Design (latterly republished since his death as Meggs’ History of Graphic Designwith Alston Purvis in the co-author’s seat), a text which is said to be required reading in design curricular nationwide, his place as tribal historian has been assured.

One might think that such a fellow was a complex and interesting individual; with the release of Meggs: Making Graphic Design History (edited by Rob Carter, Libby Meggs, and Sandra Wheeler, various contibutors; published by Wiley; Hardcover, 256pp, ISBN 978-0-470-00839-3) we get a perspective on what he did, and a sense of what turned him on.

This book, its landscape format suggesting an artist’s sketchbook, contains words–essays from friends, family and collaborators, wisdom–a selection of Meggs’s personal notes, essays, and lectures, and vision–several pages contain pictures from his personal life, photos as a young art student, photos with his wife, and most importantly, photos from his notes and idea files and sketchbooks.

To me, the sketchbook photos are absolutely killer. I get a certain feeling of being allowed to “peer into the sanctuary” when I get to see an artist’s notebook–it’s among the most inspiring, awe or otherwise, experience I can speak of. The photos are luscious, detailed and attention-arresting. You’ll pick the book up again and again, just to look at the pictures.

The writings reveal an individual who loved what he did, loved explaining it to others, and loved seeing the connections in the here and now and the influence the past had on it. It was perhaps natural that he would eventually produce a volume such as A History of Graphic Design. Given his considerable influence as a designer and educator, a certain record is called for. Publisher Wiley and the editors of this book have done just that, and any designer who cares deeply about graphic design ought to have this book on their shelves.