History of Press Graphics 1819–1921 Book - Multicolour

The History of Press Graphics 1819–1921 covers the influence of graphic news items across a 100-year span, exploring newspaper design and its effect on avant-garde art movements. Authored by Alexander Roob, the volume features work from renowned illustrators alongside artists such as Jean Cocteau, Juan Gris, and Käthe Kollwitz, while also bringing attention to lesser-known 'special artists' — anonymous press graphic creators. Its content spans news graphics, political cartoons, and satirical illustrations, examined both as a distinct genre and as a contributing force to modern art. The book presents examples of proto-cinematic narrative thinking, disruptions of single image space, and early explorations into abstraction.

Covering the influence of graphic news items over a span of 100 years, Taschen's 'History of Press Graphics. 1819–1921' explores the unique genre of newspaper design and its effect on avant-garde art movements at the time. Authored by Alexander Roob, the volume showcases the work of some of the most famous illustrators of the time as well as artists like Jean Cocteau, Juan Gris and Käthe Kollwitz alongside a rediscovery of the so-called 'special artists' — unknown press graphic creators. The work of this group — including news graphics and political and satirical cartoons — is explored with regards to this genre as well as in its capacity as a influence on modern art. The result is a tome that offers examples of proto-cinematic narrative thinking, disruptions of the single image space, and daring forays into abstraction.