MUNARI'S BOOKS
MAFFEI, GIORGIO
A But what do you use a book for?
B To learn about things or to amuse oneself, in any case to add to ones knowledge of the world.
A Oh, I see, it helps to make life more fun.
B Yes, very often.
Bruno Munari, Comment to the Prelibri
Bruno Munari has always considered books as the preferential means to communicate thoughts, a sort of work of art in itself that could show ideas and convey creativity. As book that deals with Munaris books, this volume aims to put in chronological order his contributions and relationships with the publishing industry, from the very first experiences as a graphic designer to the cooperation with the big national publishing firms, going through his extraordinary innovative projects and his illegible books.
Much more than a mere catalogue or bibliography, this book includes a rich introduction dedicated to the different possible courses in Munaris multi-faceted production, that helps to consider it side by side with his contemporary works in the fields of painting, sculpture, design, photography and didactics, crossing their different poetics.
Also, a bibliographical index of critical essays about Munari is a useful instrument to analyze in depth Munaris works.
Bruno Munari (1907-1998) has been no doubt the most eclectic italian artist-designer.
Since his very first experiences in the 30s among the artists of the Second Futurism, he always dedicated his creative activity to every form of experimentation, with a particular attention to the world of children and their games and toys. His works in the fields of painting, sculpture, design, photography and didactics cross their languages and poetics following the path of his very personal inventiveness.
