Based on extensive archival research this open access book provides a fresh perspective on the
early history of Isotype and pictographic communication with new information about largely
unknown episodes throughout its development. The picture-script Isotype (International System
of Typographic Picture Education) previously conceived as the Vienna Method of Pictorial
Statistics evolved through numerous publications and exhibitions in the early 20th century.
Christopher Burke and Günther Sandner trace how its development responded to differing cultural
and political climates through a period when the idea of a universal language - an artificial
or planned language - was linked to ideas of internationality and democratic planning. This
book explores in depth for the first time the early picture-statistical work carried out at
Austrian institutions during a new era of visual education and communication during and after
World War II. Examining the work of Isotype's initiators - Otto Neurath the founding
director of The Social and Economic Museum of Vienna the artist Gerd Arntz and Marie
Reidemeister who performed the role of 'transformer' a prototype of the modern information
designer - this book challenges existing conceptions of an enormously influential pictographic
language. Richly illustrated throughout with over 60 examples of work by key figures this book
provides a comprehensive history of Isotype and offers critical reflections on its legacy
within and relevance to contemporary design practice. The eBook editions of this book are
available open access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com.
