Cover of Jan Tschichold

Jan Tschichold

German-born typographer Jan Tschichold (1902-74) revolutionized the field of graphic design with his bold, asymmetrical compositions, use of sanserif type, and exacting attention to detail. Inspired by the work of the Bauhaus, he proclaimed his personal philosophy through both his design work and a series of articles and books, including the groundbreaking Die neue Typographie (The New Typography) of 1928.

Read more

Tschichold, perhaps the most visible proponent of modern graphic design prior to World War II, eventually embraced a more classical sensibility, raising that to a new level of refinement. Today, Tschichold remains one of the most important figures in the history of graphic design, and every practicing designer owes a debt to his innovation.

Jan Tschichold: A Life in Typography offers a concise biography of this complex figure, accompanied by numerous annotated illustrations of his work. An excellent introduction for those unfamiliar with Tschichold's influential style, it also offers the experienced designer an outstanding collection of his wide-ranging designs.

Audience
adult
Length
short · 160 pages

Click a tag to see books like this one that share it. Point at it (on a phone, tap it) for less of it instead.

Read it? Sign in to help tag it.

Liked Jan Tschichold? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked Jan Tschichold. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. Graphic Design Shares graphic arts, history
  2. No More Rules Shares graphic arts, history
  3. Mixing Messages Shares graphic arts, history
  4. The history of graphic design Shares graphic arts, history

“If you want more of the same (history), start with these.”

  1. Interpreters of early medieval Britain
  2. John of Gaunt
  3. Elizabeth & Georgiana: The Duke of Devonshire and His Two Duchesses
  4. What the Butler Winked At: Being the Life and Adventures of Eric Horne, Butler

“If it was the graphic arts that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. Lettering for advertising
  2. A Concise History of Switzerland
  3. Type, image, message
  4. Typographic design

“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

  1. The Graphic Language of Neville Brody
  2. Hand Job: A Catalog of Type
  3. The Complete Graphic Designer: A Guide to Understanding Graphics and Visual Communication
  4. Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field