George Nelson (Designer, United States) Books

The year 2008 marks the centennial of George Nelson (1908-1986), a pivotal figure in American design during the latter half of the twentieth century. With an architectural degree from Yale, Nelson excelled as a designer, architect, author, editor, lecturer, exhibition designer, and photographer. As Design Director at Herman Miller Furniture Company for over two decades, he significantly shaped the firm's products and public image, leading to the creation of numerous modern furniture classics and innovative interior designs. His contributions extended to new concepts in domestic living and the modern office environment, influencing both home building and workplace design. Throughout his career, Nelson was also a discerning editor and prolific author, publishing a dozen books and over 100 articles and essays on design. This exhibition catalogue accompanies the first comprehensive retrospective of his work, featuring eight essays by German and American design historians that explore various aspects of his oeuvre, many presented for the first time. It includes an illustrated list of works, with most illustrations, previously unpublished, sourced from the Nelson Estate in the Vitra Design Museum Archive.

The narrative offers a vivid exploration of the fur trade from the perspective of a teenage boy, providing a unique lens on historical events. Through his experiences, readers gain insight into the challenges and dynamics of the trade, as well as the cultural interactions between different groups. The account is both detailed and perceptive, capturing the complexities of adolescence against a backdrop of economic and social change.

A new edition of George Nelson's classic guide to visual appreciation, released on the fortieth anniversary of its original publication Originally published in 1977 by iconic American furniture manufacturer Herman Miller, George Nelson's critically acclaimed manifesto on how to recognize, evaluate, and understand the objects and landscape of the man-made world has influenced generations of design professionals, students, and aficionados. Forty years later, this cult book has been brought back to life with a fresh, new look and feel. At a time when our collective fascination with design has gone global, by one of the 20th century's most important design thinkers and will continue to educate and inspire readers everywhere.

The narrative explores the evolution of the Five and Ten Cent Store, highlighting F.W. Woolworth's pioneering role and the impact of various chains on American retail. Drawing from a rich collection of historical publications, personal memories, and extensive research, the author crafts an engaging account that reflects on the cultural significance of these stores in shaping consumer habits and experiences in America.

Der Begriff R& B entstand in den 40er Jahren als Beschreibung einer Synthese aus verschiedenen schwarzen Musikstilen – Gospel, Big Band-Swing, Blues –, aus der mit Hilfe technischer Neuerungen wie dem immer beliebter werdenden elektrischen Bass ein lebendiges, impulsives neues Genre der Popmusik entstand. In den 50ern nannte man dieses Genre 'Rock’n’Roll', um die schwarzen Wurzeln dieser Musik zu verschleiern, und schließlich gingen Soul, Funk, Disco, Rap und andere Ableger daraus hervor. R& B erzählt die Geschichte der schwarzen Musik Amerikas in den letzten fünfzig Jahren, von Chuck Berry, James Brown und Aretha Franklin bis zu Michael Jackson und Whitney Houston, die Entstehung von schwarzer Radiosendern wie WLEB FM New York und WHUR FM an der Howard University sowie die Geschichte schwarzer Plattenfirmen in einem von Weißen dominierten Musikgeschäft. Konsequent setzt George die musikalische Geschichte des R& B in Beziehung zur Entwicklung der Bürgerrechtsbewegung und der schwarzen Emanzipation in Amerika. Nelson Georges Klassiker aus den 80er Jahren liegt endlich in neuer Übsetzung (und mit Register!) vor. Längst zu dem Standardwerk geworden, wenn es um die Geschichte der schwarzen Musik geht, hat Nelson George bei orange-press eine neue Heimat gefunden.

Von Anfang an selbst Teil der HipHop-Bewegung schildert Nelson George die Geschichte des HipHop von den 70er Jahren bis in die Gegenwart. Sein Buch ist voller Geschichten und eigener Erfahrungen, es handelt vom Leben der Gangs, von Graffiti, Break Dancing, Drogen, Mode, Gewalt und dem Konflikt zwischen Ost- und Westküste.