Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Visual Communication Manual for Graphic Designers, Typographers and Three Dimensional Designers

Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Visual Communication Manual for Graphic Designers, Typographers and Three Dimensional Designers, 9th edition 2015, is no doubt a classic in the lore of graphic design and layout technique. A primer, textbook, and conceptual exposition all-in-one. We get a sense of how a message is conveyed through carefully laid design work as we read the many insights the book provides. It is all done with the clarity and conviction of a master in the field. The book is a must read for students and practitioners alike as it encapsulates an approach to design from which creativity may ensue. So fundamental is the logic of the tools proposed. On a negative note, the book is plagued with misprints, an unforgivable occurrence in any publication, let alone a work on typography and one by none other than Josef Müller-Brockmann. It does nothing for the good name of Niggli Verlag that such poor proofreading was tolerated. I am grateful that the publishers keep the book in print, but such a sloppy edition ought never to have made it to print unchecked. It reaches absurdity when, previous to another error, on page 94 we can read two different measurements for the same item: 5.6 cm in the English version of the text; 6,5 cm in the German. Furthermore, I am unaware if Herr Müller-Brockmann did not attach any importance to leaving orphans (single words on a line at the end of a paragraph), but I do know that it is a no-no of modern typography practice. Thus, I was puzzled to see numerous such orphans in the text of the book. Nevertheless, the mastery of the author is above all that. Though irksome to encounter, the misprints can be overlooked as one is engrossed in the significance of the text and illustrations. The book can be enjoyed both in the German original, and in the terse English translation as the book is bilingual. I heartily recommend it.

Very helpful as a reference for creating a personal portfolio and for learning the basics of editorial design.

This book is written so well. Not only is it informative but also stylish. I would recommend it to anyone that does any sort of creative work.

This books it starts by setting the base of grid systems and finish with using them and show the possibilities of this great tool. It’s a must read if you are a graphic designer.

I love the contents of the book. My only criticism is that the quality of the spine is a bit weak on the front and back of the book. mine came with a nick in the material so I just reinforced it with some white duck tape. for a $70 book I expected a higher quality print, but it's still definitely worth having a physical copy of this book over the archived pdf online.