Meggs' History of Graphic Design

Q&A with Author Alston W. Purvis

What s new in this edition?
The fifth edition has additional coverage of the Middle East, Spain, Portugal, South America, and China as well as multi-media and motion graphics. Also, much in the last chapters is new, since graphic design history is changing almost daily. The last chapters are always the most difficult since we are living in the same period when things are happening.

What are the biggest differences between the last edition and this new edition?
In the last edition, I included many more images and improved the quality of others. Resulting from additional research and discoveries, I naturally made changes to the text, but I essentially maintained the same basic structure of the book. This process continued but far more extensively in the fifth edition.

How do you choose the designers who are in the book?
Designers were chosen for having made significant contributions to Graphic Design history. What distinguishes a master from his or her colleagues is both perplexing and difficult. Although every effort is made to avoid this, there will inevitably be the realization that an important figure was omitted. However, the accomplishments of significant individuals that have withstood the test of time will continue to inspire us.

With so much information to cover, do you find it difficult to revise this title?
Phil Meggs often said and I agree that one of the gratifying aspects of this book was being able to write the next edition, as you find things that you missed earlier and that each issue becomes more refined and richer in scope.

Do you receive a lot of feedback from readers?
I welcome and greatly value feedback in every stage of the writing and editing. The feedback I do receive usually involves a point of disagreement, such as having omitted a designer or point. But I welcome any positive or negative input from all sources. Comments from teachers are especially useful, as I find it important to learn how the book is used in classroom situations.