Basic by Isotype

Neurath, Otto; Ogden, Charles Kay (preface)

Published by Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co, London, 1937

About this Item

First edition of Austrian philosopher Otto Neurath s illustrated companion to Basic English, a practical demonstration of his Isotype system of education "through the eye." Founder of the International Foundation for the Promotion of Visual Education at the Hague, Neurath imagined a global language of icons that would transcend linguistic and cultural difference. He called this visual language Isotype: "International System of Typographic Picture Education." In this volume, Neurath pairs Isotype signs with key words in Basic English, a controlled subset of English words and rules devised by the British philosopher Charles Kay Ogden in his own attempt to establish a universal language. Ogden contributes the prefatory note to this volume, which opens with a folding table of Basic English vocabulary and rules, followed by hundreds of examples of Neurath s Isotype signs. A near-fine example of an influential work of utopian linguistics and modern graphic design, warmly inscribed by Otto Neurath. Single volume, measuring 6 x 3.75 inches: 130, [2]. Green cloth spine, original buff paper boards lettered in green and priced at 2/6, pastedown spine label. Folding table of Basic English facing title. Black and red illustrations throughout text; two pages of publisher s ads at rear. Inscribed by Otto Neurath in the year of publication: "Der lieben Ann / mit herzlichen Grüßen! / Auf Wiedersehn! / Otto / Juni 1937." Spine label rubbed, text block slightly shaken.

Seller Inventory # 1004076

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Basic by Isotype
• Publisher: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co, London
• Publication Date: 1937
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • education
  • illustrated
  • inscribed
  • essay
  • signed