Signs and Symbols: Their Design and Meaning (English and German Edition)

Universally-recognized signs and symbols have always been among the most important elements of communication. By why is it that certain configurations of dot and line, and certain primary shapes, are perceived and remembered more easily than others? Taking the six faces of dice as his starting point, Frutiger writes about signs and symbols in general and the development of writing in particular. Throughout, he relates the basic principles and components of graphics to a wide range of historical, physical, linguistic and practical considerations. He embraces everything from Egyptian hieroglyphics to modern company logos in his intriguing analysis of the way that humans have always tried to express thought and communication through graphic means. This standard work is aimed at all those concerned with graphics, design, ornament and communication in general. Part 1: Sign Recognition, Sign Formation -- Introduction: Three Themes. 1. Disorder-order -- 2. Remembering A Figure -- 3. Light And Shadow - Black And White -- 1. The Elements Of A Sign -- Ii. The Basic Signs -- Joining Signs Together -- Iv. The Sign In Ornaments -- V. Signs Of Dualism -- Vi. The Solid -- Vii. The Simulation Of Volume -- Viii. The Diversity Of Appearance -- Attempt At A Visual Synthesis -- Part 2: Speech-fixing Signs -- I. From Thought To Picture -- Ii. Speech Fixing -- Iii. The Graphic Wealth Of Pictograms -- Iv. The World's Alphabets -- V. The Abc Of The Western World -- Vi. Development Of Form Through Writing And Printing Techniques -- Vii. Manipulated Letterforms -- Viii. Text Type And Its Legibility -- Ix. Numerical Signs -- X. Punctuation Signs -- Part 3: Sign, Symbol, Emblem, Signal -- Introduction -- I. From Illustration To Symbol -- Ii. The Symbol -- Iii. The Graphic Wealth Of Figurative Symbols -- Iv. Abstract Symbols -- V. Signs Of Pseudoscience And Magic -- Vi. Signature Signs -- Vii. Signs Of Community -- Viii. Trademarks -- Ix. Technical And Scientific Signs -- X. Signal Signs -- Toward A Synthesis -- Epilogue. Adrian Frutiger ; Translated By Andrew Bluhm. Translation Of: Der Mensch Und Seine Zeichen, V. 1-3. Bibliography: P. 360.