Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Paul Rand was one of the world's leading graphic designers. Here he describes his work with the same precision, economy and passion that he displays in his graphic designs, seeking to help us to understand the nature of his relationships with his clients, his audience and his art.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This handsome book begins with a newly revised version of Paul Rand's classic 1947 text, Thoughts on Design, then follows with samples of his work in advertising design, corporate identity, design teaching, and typography. In a short introduction Rand defines a designer as one who is involved in ``The visual manipulation of words and/or pictures ... {{something is}} not good design if it does not communicate.'' His trademark designs for IBM, ABC, UPS, and Westinghouse are successful examples of this idea. Included are nine essays by Rand that are provocative statements about design and exemplify his intellectual approach to visual communication. About 90 percent of the book is filled with full-page imagery, many in full color, so that the graphic impact of his work is evident and easy to see. Especially of interest to design educators is a small section on word pictures that contains design problem descriptions. Although the book does not have the traditional bibliography, chronology, or index, it does have a marvelous series of footnotes that will lead the serious academician to other sources for the reinforcement of Paul Rand's design philosophy. This book is for art directors, graphic designers, design educators, and serious students. Recommended for all libraries collecting in the area of design and graphic design history.-V.M. Juergensen, Mohawk Valley Community College