German-born typographer Jan Tschichold (1902-74) revolutionized the field of graphic
design with his bold, asymmetrical compositions, use of sanserif type, and exacting atten-

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tion to detail. Inspired by the work of the Bauhaus, he proclaimed his personal philo¬
sophy through both his design work and a series of articles and books, including the
groundbreaking Die neue Typographie (The New Typography) of 1928. Tschichold, per¬
haps the most visible proponent of modern graphic design prior to World War II, eventu¬
ally 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,

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accompanied by numerous annotated illustrations of his work. An excellent introduction

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for those unfamiliar with Tschichold’s influential style, it also offers the experienced

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designer an outstanding collection of his wide-ranging designs.

Ruari McLean, the world’s foremost Tschichold scholar, has written a number of books

on graphic design, including Modern Book Design, Jan Tschichold: Typographer, and

Typographers on Type, and is the translator of Tschichold’s The New Typography.

PRINCETON ARCHITECTURAL PRESS