The Funny Little Man: The Biography of a Graphic Image by Virginia Smith (Hardcover, 1993) — Very Good Condition
$30.00
1 in stock
A fascinating biography of early modernism’s most iconic graphic design staple: a humorous, miniaturized representation of the human figure known as “The Funny Little Man.” Authored by Professor Virginia Smith, this rare, heavily illustrated volume meticulously traces the evolution of this unique marketing caricature. The book highlights its sudden international emergence across 1920s and 1930s commercial posters, European avant-garde prints, Russian Constructivist “production art,” and mid-century American advertising.
Featuring stunning black-and-white figures alongside beautiful full-color glossy plates, this work explores the context, design theories, and personal stories of legendary creators like Cassandre, Léger, Kandinsky, and Rodchenko.
✨ Condition Report (Excellent/Very Good)
This book has been carefully inspected and is strictly graded in Very Good structural and cosmetic condition:
- Cover & Spine: The cloth boards are bright, sturdy, and clean, featuring sharp corners and a firm, uncreased spine.
- Dust Jacket: The pictorial dust jacket is intact with crisp edges and minimal surface rubbing.
- Interior Pages: Clean, bright, and completely crisp. There are no missing pages, no folded corners, and no interior handwriting, underlining, or highlighting.
- Binding: Strong, tight, and sound.
- SEE VIDEO for accuracy
Reasons to Purchase This Copy
- A Must-Have for Graphic Designers & Historians: This rare book is highly regarded as an indispensable educational deep-dive into early 20th-century commercial art movements, early Bauhaus styling, and the birth of professional brand identity.
- Rare and Out of Print: Published in 1993, first edition printings of this niche title are increasingly difficult to track down in clean, collector-acceptable condition.
- Impeccable Visual Appeal: Packed with beautifully printed visual assets—including specialized diagrams, 8 glossy pages of full-color plates, and text translations—it serves as excellent coffee table decoration or bookshelf display.
Be sure to carefully look at the images and video provided. If you have any questions about this item, please Contact Rae before purchase.
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