100 Posters that Changed the World

Book excerpt: A collection of the world's most memorable, provocative, best-selling and groundbreaking posters from Johannes Gutenberg to Barack Obama. This collection charts the history of poster design, from the time when paper was first affordable in the 18th century, through developments in print technology, to the more subtle visual communication of the 21st century. Along the way, it showcases the most impactful designs of the last 300 years. It tells the story of how the artform took off in the late 19th century with the introduction of litho printing and the influence of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. There are posters for events, auctions, public meetings, political rallies, sports games, lectures, and theatrical performances. Some convey political messages, such as the iconic Keep Calm and Carry On poster produced at the dawn of the Second World War. Others advertise the latest must-see movies, including classic designs for ET and Jaws.