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CHOICE Review

The history of design, both among historians of art and in design schools, is a field of growing importance. Designers are becoming aware that their heritage is an important key to their own creativity. This book is unique as an attempt to provide students (and researchers) the basic tools to do research in the area of the history of design. The volume is not a history, nor does it attempt to be; it is definitively a handbook. Information on various types of design history-ceramics, graphic design, furniture, fashion design, interior design, etc.-is presented by authorities in their particular fields. The book is basically bibliographic in format, leading the reader to various sources of information rather than explicitly explaining design philosophies or trends. As a handbook, the volume works well. It should, therefore, be a part of any library interested in serving those who are doing research in the history of art or design. It will not replace such works as Philip Meggs's A History of Graphic Design (CH, Oct '83). As a very well annotated bibliography, Design History can be an important starting point for beginning researchers.-V.M. Juergensen, Mohawk Valley Community College