Icons of Design: The 20th Century

What do Bic pens, Zippo lighters, Barbie Dolls and compact discs have in common? They’re everywhere, including between the covers of this stunning collection of furniture, appliances, cars, and toys that have transcended their utility to achieve iconic status over the course of the twentieth century. Each object is examined in colorful two-page spreads, which include illustrations of its use, a brief biography of the designer and other fascinating sidebar information. In addition, an introductory essay explains how an object becomes an icon and outlines the method the editors—a collection of internationally renowned design historians—used to select their subjects. Filled with photographs, this beautifully produced flexi-cover volume offers new ways to see and appreciate the things we use everyday.

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