josef chladek

on photobooks and books

Paul Renner - mechanisierte grafik, Hermann Reckendorf, 1930, Berlin

Hardcover cloth bound with dust jacket. Images by A. Renger-Patzsch, Änne Biermann, Rudolf Loher, Franz Fiedler, Max Burchartz, Ewald Hoinkes, Franz Roh, Fritz Skell and others. Book typeset in Renner's "Futura".

"paul renner (1878-1956) published his book "mechanisierte grafik" (mechanised graphics) when he was director of the meisterschule für deutschlands buchdrucker (master school for germany's printers) in munich. the book discusses the impact of modern technology – which was mainly mechanic, not electronic yet – on visual design. renner not only looks at typeface and graphic design but includes aspects of photo, film and colour.

the photo section, printed on coated paper, includes some before-and-after examples of typographical designs, and fine photos by aenne biermann. the back flap of the dustjacket advertises another important book publihed by hermann reckendorf: werner gräff's "es kommt der neue fotograf".

"mechanisierte grafik" was among the winners of the german annual 50 most beautiful books award." (Felix Wiedler)

Pages: 205
Place: Berlin
Year: 1930
Publisher: Hermann Reckendorf
Size: 15 x 21 cm (approx.)