I borrowed some books—like a good dissertation writing student

I went to my library to forage out paper structures known as books. Though their format scares me due to not being digital, I will trust that these items of witchcraft could help me with my essay.

After a bit of digging around I had found a few books that I would both like to read for my dissertation, and we sitting on the shelves of the universities library. So I got myself two books to start with until I find some more suitable ones.

Being fashioned as a hat by our model is the lovely and extremely sexy:
Robert Brownjohn – Sex and Typography (ISBN 1-56898 550-9)

Princeton Architectural Press

Though not strictly relevant, this book is of a designer (a rather influential one at that) operating with great modernity in America through periods of time including the 1950's. 

Next up in that traditional 'I'm holding something design-ish to cover my horrid face' pose is an actual book about American Modernism; looking as american as an book possibly could.

R. Roger Remington – American Modernism, Graphic Deisgn 1920 to 1960

(ISBN 1-85669-345-7) Laurence King Publishing Ltd

There isn't much more I can tell you about this book that the title doesn't already. But my god, my are my arms so freakishly large?

Looking further into the historical context

On recommendation of my tutor, I have decided to look at the historical context of the modernity in 1950's America, not just the case of be-bop jazz records.

The modernity in american graphic design did not start and end with Bebop Jazz, nor did it with Blue Note records. The records and their sleeves were merely a reflection of what was happening around them, so it would be wrong not to see the design that surrounded these records, in the books and on the shelves.

As one of my possible resources I have found a book that I have seen a few times, and it's really pretty much the most obvious choice for me. The book is titled – quite rightly – American Modernism by R. Roger Remmington (http://yalepress.yale.edu/book.asp?isbn=9780300098167)
I'm pretty sure I've seen it kicking around in the local bookshop, so it'll be a sure purchase for the next time my loan comes in.

Whilst having a little browse around I also came across a specific webpage listing modernist, and quite usefully it lists a lot of designers that operated in the 1950, and unsurprisingly it has many designer that I'm already aware of and quite admire. http://www.citrinitas.com/history_of_viscom/modernists.html
Though it's not strictly all american's that are listed, it's still a good insight into the design and modernism of that era.

A very influential designer that worked through the 1950's, and a favourite of my own would be Massimo Vignelli. Looking at him and his works would be a good way of judging how the modernity carried through the years as he continued working until the late 20th century.
http://www.aiga.org/medalist-massimoandlellavignelli/

One book I just found on my university library catalogue is Robert Brownjohn: Sex and Typography: 1925- 1970 Life and Work which sounds truly amazing indeed, considering how iconic of a designer he is.

I have also found a few links that could be possibly helpful, but they are really quite wildcards indeed.

http://www.anglistik.phil.uni-erlangen.de/dozenten/skripte/American_Modernism_1900-1950.pdf

http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/features/slideshows/selections-from-the-modern-and-contemporary-collections.html

http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/modern-art-movements.htm

A fork in the road

Watch out, there is a fork in the road – it'll burst your tyres.

After a bit of reading and thinking; I realised that my current question (or statement) is lacking on argument—of which I like arguing, so that's important!
So I have noticed that I may need to alter my approach to support my need to argue and the possibility for a greater essay.

As it stands, I am working with "Be-Bop Jazz Records of the 1950’s lead the way in modernity for typography and design structure through it’s expressionism and freedom—is the inspiration it supplied now prevalent in contemporary design and music? Or did it just create the cliché for the designs of cool jazz?" though I would rather like to include a few more ideas, theories and concepts.
 I would very much like to include the idea of intermedial design in the record sleeves, and rather than relate how Jazz records influenced modern design, instead focus on how the link between the design and the music was a modern concept that has since become very popular.

I would also like to include the concept of whether music can be completely autonomous, the theory of parergons and explore whether a record sleeve is just a frame and carrier for music or whether it is both between advertising and an aesthetic experience.


With this in mind I consider changing my principle question.
Be-Bop Jazz Records of the 1950's lead the way in modernity for design and typography with their high levels of expression and musical freedom, all reinforced with strong intermedial design. Is the innovation that these records held evident in contemporary design or did it just create a 'cool jazz' cliché?

This could very likely change, though I would very much like to steer towards the theorists and ideas that I've read about; and including the concept of intermediality is a step towards that.