Branding Terror: The Logotypes and Iconography of Insurgent Groups and Terrorist Organizations

Beifuss, Artur; Bellini, Francesco Trivini

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 1858946018 ISBN 13: 9781858946016

Casa editrice: Merrell Pub Ltd, 2013

Terrorist groups are no different from other organizations in their use of branding to promote their ideas and to distinguish themselves from groups that share similar aims. The branding they employ may contain complex systems of meaning and emotion; it conveys the group's beliefs and capabilities. Branding Terror is the first comprehensive survey of the visual identity of the world’s major terrorist organizations, from al-Qaeda and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine to the Tamil Tigers. Each of the 60-plus entries contains a concise description of the group’s ideology, leadership, and modus operandi, and a brief timeline of events. The group’s branding the symbolism, colors, and typography of its logo and flag is then analyzed in detail. Branding Terror does not seek to make any political statements; rather, it offers insight into an understudied area of counter-intelligence, and provides an original and provocative source of inspiration for graphic designers.

Recensione:

'Branding Terror has an urgent title, and at first sight, an irresistible premise ... [it] has a stern black, leather-look cover and the forbidding air of a specialist handbook intended for use in the field by intelligence service operatives. No one could accuse the authors, or the publisher, Merrell, of attempting to glamorize the subject.' --Creative Review

'This is an examination of the power of design at its most potent.' --Esquire magazine

L'autore:

ARTUR BEIFUSS works for the United Nations as a counter-terrorism analyst.

FRANCESCO TRIVINI BELLINI is a graphic designer who has created the branding identity of various companies and cultural institutions.

STEVEN HELLER, former Art Director at the New York Times, is the author or co-author of more than 120 books on design and popular culture.