Paul Shaw, who’s known for his inspiring type tours of vintage signs and inscriptions around New York City and is a Print contributing editor and columnist, has published (under his Blue Pencil Press imprint) an unprecedented analysis and chronicle titled Helvetica and the New York City Subway System: The True (Maybe) Story.
From the stunning binding to the detailed historical account to the rich footnotes (almost as long as the text), this is a tour de force of design scholarship and cultural criticism–a good read that has startling visuals too. See some sample spreads here.
This limited edition of 500 copies (with 400 for sale) is available here. If you are interested, I wouldn’t delay–many have already left the station. As often happens on the crowded Lexington Avenue Line, you don’t want to be left behind on this platform.
About Steven Heller
Steven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →