Basic by Isotype (First Edition)

Otto Neurath

Published by Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd., 1937

About this Item

Author Otto Neurath (1882-1945) was the Director of the International Foundation for Visual Education, and inventor/writer of "International Picture Language". Austrian-born, Neurath was a philosopher of science, a sociologist, and political economist. His Isotype Method sought to provide a standardized language in which pictures were used for communication, particularly to represent social scientific data. Neurath created specific guidelines on how to combine identical figures using serial repetition for clear communication. This book, "Basic by Isotype", is an example of the way in which pictures may be of help in making the sense of words and statements clear within a rough outline, using Neurath's method. (Book contents / Wikipedia).BOOK DESCRIPTION: This small copy measures a little over 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Bound in two-tones, spine is green cloth bearing a paper label with green text, matching the green text on the tan paper cover. Text and illustrations are primarily in black and white with occasional red isotype images. Fold-out frontispiece is a list of words entitled "Basic English" measuring 10 inches tall x 6.75 inches wide. As part of the Psyche Miniatures General Series (No. 86) in connection with PSYCHE, (An Annual Review of General and Applied Psychology), an advertisement of other general and medical editions is present at the front and also at the back. Indexed. 130 pp. CONDITION: Mild wear and soiling with light bump at head of front board. Leaves are clean and unmarked with only very occasional foxing. Images are beautifully bold and crisply defined. A crack has formed at the gutter between pages 68 and 69, yet the hinges are strong, binding is sound, and pagination is complete. A lovely little first edition copy. Full refund if not satisfied.EXCERPT FROM INTRODUCTORY PAGES: "Basic English, for which Dr. Neurath has made this book of international pictures, is a simple but natural form of English designed for international use. English is the most talked language of the earth. By cutting its 250,000 words down to 850 and doing without its complex 'verb' system, Basic may well become a second language for all. [.] Isotype is an international picture language which makes use of a great number of signs in such a way that the same sign is at all times representative of the same thing. The signs are clear and simple, and so designed that the most important points are seen straight away and are kept in the memory. [.]".

Seller Inventory # 073924

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Basic by Isotype (First Edition)
• Publisher: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd.
• Publication Date: 1937
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science & Math & Technology