For hundreds of years the pinnacle of the profession – design, typography – was the printed page. Books, leaflets, pamphlets and fliers communicated thought, moved information. This marked a transition in storytelling, from verbal to written. Those who wanted to say something – tell a story and be heard – wrote.

Designers and typographers are in the business of delivering these stories to an audience. And, when they have something to say – knowledge to pass down – they write. Books serve as the primary design educators because designers and typographers uniquely appreciate the art and craft that goes into making a great book.

The Journal compiled several ‘Best of’ lists of design literature and found the most popular selections. What remains is a list of books that cover a range of design topics. While there are countless other volumes of merit, a comprehensive study of the field may be founded on these selected eight volumes.

Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst

Designing for People by Henry Dreyfuss

The Elements of Color by Johannes Itten

Thinking With Type by Ellen Lupton

A History of Graphic Design by Philip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis

Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann

Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works by Erik Spiekermann and E.M. Ginger

Envisioning Information by Edward R. Tufte