The publication presents the history of graphic design in Europe until the third quarter of the 19th century. It is intended to be the first part of a larger whole. Written in an accessible language, it touches on important phenomena, paying particular attention to the areas of design art covered so far only in articles and a few books in the field. The structure of the publication is repeated in each chapter and includes a linear discussion of design before design, writing and typography, book design, illustrations in the context of historical, as well as social and stylistic changes. Each chapter ends with a listing of the most important artifacts.