This is the first book to provide a history of the development of modern design in this century within its international cultural and economic context. It will be of great value to all students of art and design and will also interest social historians and anyone concerned with material culture and the enviourment . The book is divided into three sections : 1900- 1917, the formative years : 1918-1945, the period of consolidation for modern design: and 1945 to the present when design became absorbed into society and culture. Each broad period is explored in the first chapter of a section. The author then concentrates on thematic issues such as the professionalism of the desinger, state support of design, design and the mass environment , and the impact of mass manufacturing companies and new technology on design.

Numerous case studies of three dimensional mass produced artifact such as sewing machines, typewriters, bicycles, cars, chairs , tables, radios , televisions , ceramics , and glass are included and are illustrated . The author includes a full gude to further reading and a glossary of improtant individuals and companies involved with design in the twentieth century.