For design lovers, these pocket-sized compendiums will be the most useful books on the market. These illustrated, pocket encyclopedias provide a concentrated overview of the products and designers that have defined the unique heritage of the world leading design countries. The first two volumes focus on Italy and Scandinavia. From furniture to forks, cars to radios, the product design of these design-forward nations are photographed and chronicled in a practical, informative format that will please students, designers, and anyone devoted to style.


Each of these books begins with a Gallery of important design products, photographed and arranged in a visual A to Z of coveted objects and the biggest designer names. Following this pictorial Introduction, an authoritative yet concise text recounts the subject country's design history -- period-by-period -- and traces how these changes both responded to and influenced cultural changes.


The substantial Directory section includes 200 entries that introduce and detail the life and work of designers, schools, design companies, important movements and theoretical concepts. Finally, an up-to-date Appendix provides contact information and locations of the major design centers and museums within the featured country. Alphabetical indexes of the major companies and designers provide quick reference for the curious.