The story of design / Charlotte and Peter Fiell.

The early origins of design -- Design and craftsmanship from the middle ages to the eighteenth century -- The age of reason and the industrial revolution -- Armory practice and a new system of rationalized production -- The new industrial age and the Great Exhibition -- The winds of reform -- The new art -- Art nouveau -- Putting theory into practice: from art manufactures to industrial products -- The American system and Fordism -- Reductivism, expressionism and rationalism -- Art deco and interpretations of modernism -- The great depression and the moderne style -- Design for war -- The American dream and good design -- Reconstruction and the spirit of optimism -- Pop design and the counter-culture -- Rationalism versus craft -- Postmodernism and internationalism -- Universal solutions versus creative individuality.

Design is a multi-disciplined approach to problem-solving that has always uniquely reflected humankind's aspirations, needs and desires. It has both shaped and mirrored the spirit of our times. 'The Story of Design' is a fascinating multi-stranded account that is truly comprehensive in its scope, introducing the styles, movements, theories, materials, processes, technologies, leading practitioners and companies that have shaped modern design into what it is today.