Stylepe dia A Guide to Graphic Design Mannerisms, Quirks and Conceits
by Steven Heller and Louise Fili with sidebars by Dan Nadel, Published by Chronicle Books, 2006
This beautiful and stylish book from Chronicle Press, Stylepedia is designed and produced like an old-time dictionary, complete with satisfying die-cut thumb curves for each letter of the alphabet. With over 100 entries, this dictionary of design attempts to present contemporary design ideas and expressions from Agit Retro (the posters of Micah Wright) to Zanol (Victorian advertising and roots of branding).
Stylepedia beautifully illustrates the history of graphic design from more well known eras such as Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Expressionist, Grunge, Victorian and Surrealism. There are less known references in here that include Obey the Giant (the urban guerilla advertising of Shepard Fairey), as well as the striking (!) matchbook designs from the 20s and 30s that graphic designers love to collect.
Part of the fun of Stylepedia is the inclusion of references to popular culture such as the Big Book Look, Chinese Calendar Girl, Hip Hop, Playboy, Ripleys Believe It or Not and Swatch Watch. Notably excluded in this book are Hatch Show Print and Game Boards.
This funky manual of design style is a must read for any serious graphic designer, design wonk or student of art history. Stylepedia is a beautiful art history reference book that's sure to please any design geek, aesthete, art student or museum maven. (or, all of the above!)
