The American University in Cairo Press (AUC Press) has released the long-anticipated Arabic edition of A History of Arab Graphic Design, a landmark publication co-authored by Bahia Shehab and Haytham Nawar. First published in English in 2020, the book is now accessible to Arabic-speaking readers around the world, offering a comprehensive and richly illustrated chronicle of the evolution of graphic design in the Arab world.
The original English edition, which won the PROSE Award for Art History and Criticism, has been widely acclaimed as a foundational reference in the field. The newly released Arabic version mirrors the quality and editorial standards of the original, ensuring that the depth and richness of the content are preserved in translation.
Featuring over 600 vibrant illustrations, the book traces the trajectory of Arab graphic design from its roots in Islamic art and Arabic calligraphy to the dynamic developments of the digital era. It covers a broad geographic span from Morocco to Iraq and a timeline from pre-1900 to the late twentieth century, capturing the socio-political and cultural forces that have shaped design practices across the region.
Thomas Willshire, Executive Director of AUC Press, reflected on the significance of the release:
“When we published A History of Arab Graphic Design in English, it helped global audiences engage with Arab design narratives. Bringing it back into Arabic is a rare and important step for us, reaffirming our commitment to our regional roots.”
The book documents the work of more than 80 designers, featuring rare visuals from personal and public archives, and situates them within the broader historical and cultural contexts that influenced their art—from political posters and magazine layouts to cinema ephemera and commercial advertisements.
Bahia Shehab, a professor of practice and founder of AUC’s graphic design program, and Haytham Nawar, associate professor and former chair of the Department of the Arts at AUC, meticulously compiled the content to preserve the stories of pioneering designers across the Arab world and diaspora. Their research helps cement the historical and cultural significance of Arab visual culture in the global design narrative.
Nadia al-Naqib, Director of Editorial Acquisitions at AUC Press, added:
“This Arabic edition expands the reach of a key cultural and educational resource, encouraging new dialogue and engagement within the design community. It’s a vital contribution to documenting and celebrating Arab creativity.”
Founded over 60 years ago, AUC Press remains the Middle East’s leading English-language academic publisher. It continues to serve as a bridge between cultures, publishing more than 50 new titles annually, with a backlist of over 800 titles distributed globally.
With the release of A History of Arab Graphic Design in Arabic, AUC Press not only broadens access to an important scholarly work but also reinforces the cultural significance of design as both a creative and political force in the Arab world.
