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.