From the Parks 2 website
The National Park Service has a long history of producing stirring posters, brochures, and signage that may not have the visual presence of, say, Denali, but nevertheless inspires a wonder for eternally beautiful places. That's what's captured in the new book, Parks 2, from the publisher Standards Manual. It's nearly 400 pages chronicling the history of the graphic design wonders printed by the Park Service, an oft-forgotten piece of the history of American art and letters.
The book, compiled in a collaboration with photographer Brian Kelley, build's on Kelley's first iteration, Parks, this time exploring more areas managed by the Park Service and including more written works. Some are contemporary essays by well-known adventure figures describing their love for national parks: Alex Honnold, Leah Thomas, and Chris Burkard, among others. The book also features written memorabilia like official letters from park superintendents.
You can read the essay from Honnold about Yosemite right here, in fact, for a little taste.
But it's the time capsule-like feel of the old brochures that really draws you in. A historical hike through how design has evolved through the decades. If you're a fan of art history, you'll appreciate the context included with the printed materials. You'll learn about why certain design elements were popular at various points throughout the decades.
There's also a reminder here in the visual language that the parks are for us — the people. A sense of welcoming and wonder and community that is the best of what the Park Service can inspire.
Parks 2 ($64) can be purchased here.
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