International Picture Language: The First Rules of Isotype (First Edition)

Otto Neurath

Published by Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd., 1936

About this Item

Author Otto Neurath (1882-1945) was the Director of the International Foundation for Visual Education, and inventor/writer of "International Picture Language". Austrian-born, Neurath was a philosopher of science, a sociologist, and political economist. His Isotype Method, (International System of Typographic Picture Education), sought to provide a standardized language in which pictures were used for communication, particularly to represent social scientific data. Neurath created specific guidelines on how to combine identical figures using serial repetition for clear communication. This book, "International Picture Language", is a general outline giving facts about the relation of Isotype to languages generally, about some languages rules of Isotype, and about the international value of Neurath's method. (Book contents / Wikipedia).BOOK DESCRIPTION: This small copy measures a little over 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Bound in two-tones, spine is red cloth bearing a paper label with red text, matching the red text on the tan paper cover. Text and illustrations are primarily in black and white with occasional red isotype images. Fold-out frontispiece is a list of words entitled "Basic English" measuring 10 inches tall x 6.75 inches wide. As part of the Psyche Miniatures General Series (No. 83) in connection with PSYCHE, (An Annual Review of General and Applied Psychology), an advertisement of other general and medical editions is present at the front and also at the back. 117 pp. CONDITION: Some discoloration on the cover and mild wear. Leaves are clean and unmarked with only very occasional foxing, primarily within endpapers. Images are beautifully bold and crisply defined. A crack has formed at the gutter between pages 64 and 65, yet the hinges are strong, binding is sound, and pagination is complete. A lovely little first edition copy. Full refund if not satisfied.EXCERPT FROM ISOTYPE: THE QUESTION OF AN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE (at the front): "The desire for an international language is an old one, and it is more than ever in men's minds at this time of international connections in business and science. But 'debabelization' is a very hard and complex work. The attempt to make one international language has given us a parcel of new languages. The best way out seems to be the use of instruments which are, or have become, international. For this reason this book is in Basic English, because this international language is part of an old language in general use. [.]".

Seller Inventory # 073925

Bibliographic Details

• Title: International Picture Language: The First Rules of Isotype (First Edition)
• Publisher: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd.
• Publication Date: 1936
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science & Math & Technology