Menu Design in America 1850-1970

Jim Heimann

Overview

Printed menus were once a rarity, reserved for special occasions before restaurants became widespread in the late 1800s. As dining establishments proliferated, the menu evolved beyond a simple list of dishes. Its design became a crucial element of the dining experience, serving as a marketing tool and a cherished memento. This volume presents a comprehensive showcase of menu design as a graphic art form, featuring nearly a thousand vibrant, full-color examples.

This deluxe edition not only highlights an extraordinary collection of paper ephemera but also chronicles the history of restaurants and dining out in America. Beyond the covers, many interior menu designs are featured, offering an epicurean journey and insights into over a century of American dining. Complementary photographs of restaurants further enrich this compendium.

Who it's for

• Anyone interested in graphic design history.
• Enthusiasts of culinary history and the evolution of restaurants.
• Collectors of ephemera and vintage paper goods.
• Individuals who appreciate the visual culture of dining out.

Key features

• Hardcover binding.
• 392 pages.
• Features nearly a thousand color illustrations.
• Explores menu design from 1850 to 1970.
• Published by Taschen.
• ISBN: 9783836526623.