"A Trade in Dreams is a vital contribution to the history of design in the Arab world, tracing a century of Egyptian print advertising through colonial and post-colonial shifts. Often dismissed as too commercial, advertising emerges here as a key site for visual experimentation and professional design practice. With rich imagery woven through historical insights, this book reveals how modernity, identity, and desire were sold, and shaped, through the language of advertising.”—Yara Khoury, American University of Beirut"This book is inadvertently a who's who of modern Egyptian industry, a resource on Egyptian neoliberalism, a visual feast, and a basic history of modern Egypt. The ethos of the author, the visual promise of the book, and its accessibility balanced with rich information make it a very valuable source for introductory courses on visual culture, rhetoric, design, and advertising."—Yasmine Motawy, The American University in Cairo"A fascinating, beautifully illustrated, and nuanced narrative on a topic rarely researched. A Trade in Dreams offers a unique point of view, situating print advertising as a powerful communication medium that has advanced political and social causes, held up a mirror to society, helped shape visual culture, and contributed to the creation of a lasting national identity. This book is a must-read primer and a critical contribution to both media studies and global design histories."—Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, Design historian and founding director of the Khatt FoundationPRAISE FOR A HISTORY OF ARAB GRAPHIC DESIGN:“A significant contribution.”—Art Journal“Important and rich.”—AIGA Eye on Design"A groundbreaking publication."—Technical Communications"A major feat."—The National News“Easily the best introduction to the history of modern Arab visual culture on the market today.”—The Brooklyn Rail"A landmark . . . recommended." —M. Lynx Qualey, Al-Fanar Media"Essential."—PRINT“An invaluable resource.”—Futuress Magazine"Well documented and supported."—Ahram Hebdo
