Set to bring joy to even the most hardened of graphic designers, a new book from Gestalten provides an illustrated history of graphic design, complete with cut-out-and-keep designers (Messrs Rand, Tschichold, Bass and Carson, shown above)...

With an all-star cast, Graphic Design History for Rainy Days, takes the reader on a gentle tour of the subject, courtesy of a time-travelling grandfather and his enquiring grandson. The book is designed by Studio 3, the in-school design agency at the Graphic Design Department of Westerdals School of Communication in Oslo.

As the pair journey from the time of the industrial revolution, right up to Jessica Helfand's mid-90s design studio (above), they meet everyone from Max Bill and Wim Crouwel, to Neville Brody (below, doing the talking) and Paula Scher in between.

Graphic Design History for Rainy Days is a charming take on the medium and, as is the current vogue (see our own paper toys posts and the figure that comes free with the current issue of CR), the book even contains a selection of cut-out designers, your own Bauhaus diploma, and a miniature Apple Macintosh that can be assembled in about 10 minutes, shown above.

This is one for the Christmas list.

Published by Gestalten; £17.99. gestalten.com.

CR in Print

If you enjoy reading the Creative Review website, we think you'll enjoy reading the magazine even more. The December issue of CR includes a profile piece on the independent creative scene in Liverpool, a major interview with Dutch book designer Irma Boom and a great piece on 'Poster King' Edward McKnight Kauffer. You'll also find articles on Dentsu London, a review of the Walker Art Center's Graphic Design: Now in Production show and a fascinating debate on the clash between design and advertising betwen Wally Olins and CHI's Dan Beckett.

And if that wasn't enough, the issue also includes a FREE paper toy for readers to cut out and customise.

If you would like to buy this issue and are based in the UK, you can search for your nearest stockist here. Based outside the UK? Simply call +44(0)207 292 3703 to find your nearest stockist. Better yet, subscribe to CR for a year here and save yourself almost 30% on the printed magazine.