Icons of Design

Design is the topic of the latest edition in Prestels series on Icons of the 20th Century, complementing the volumes already available on art, architecture, photography, and fashion. "Icons of Design" tells the story of 80 ordinary items which gained iconic status during the course of the 20th century. The introductory essay explains how an object becomes iconic, and the method the editors used to select the internationally diverse spectrum of design objects shown and discussed in the book. Raymond Loewys streamlined pencil sharpener, the classic Italian espresso maker, the VW bug, Lego, and Ron Arads bookworm shelf all earn their inclusion through the impact they have had on the history of 20th-century design. Concise and authoritative texts by leading experts in the field are complemented by sumptuous color photography, contemporary documentation, and biographies of featured designers. A selected bibliography and an index complete the booka vital addition to everybodys bookshelf. Even enthusiasts, collectors, and specialists will make many new discoveries.

Volker Albus is professor for product design in Karlsruhe, Germany. Reyer Kras is Principal Custodian for design at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam. Jonathan M. Woodham is professor for the history of design at the University of Brighton, England.