Occasional Papers just released the first anthology of its kind, Graphic Design: History in the Writing (1984–2011), which comprises some of the most influential published texts about graphic design history. The book documents the development of the relatively young field of graphic design history from 1983 to today, underscoring the aesthetic, theoretical, political and social tensions that have underpinned it from the beginning.

From the Room 220 interview with Michael Jeffrey Lee:

There’s something so pleasurably grotesque about contemporary country music. It keeps insisting on being working class, even though it’s clear they actually don’t give a shit about the poor. But, I suppose I could relate to country singers’ desperation in trying to prove their authenticity, myself having come to the South after being infatuated with its culture. I think people move to this town in search of legitimacy—badassery. Especially post-Katrina, this was a hotbed of authenticity, Ground Zero for the remaking of an authentic self—which is probably part of the reason why I came back. That, and I knew I could probably find a job pretty easily.

Michael Jeffrey Lee will celebrate the launch of his fantastic new book of short stories, Something in My Eye, on Thursday, March 15, at 7 p.m. at the Antenna Gallery. More details here.

We recently wrapped up the Prospect.2 New Orleans Biennial book. The publication contains the work of 27 international artists as well as essays from Dan Cameron and Miranda Lash, among many other treats. Look for it on shelves in Spring.

Prospect.2 New Orleans. 2012. 160pgs. 6.5in. x 9in., hand-sewn exposed binding. Designed by Constance.

Salwa Rashad is a Cairo-based photographer. Her images from Tahrir Square will be on display this Wednesday, Jan. 25, for the book launch of The People Is Singular at Cafe Istanbul in the New Orleans Healing Center. January 25 marks the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the Egyptian Revolution.

The People Is Singular is a new chapbook, published by Press Street, of poetry by Andy Young and photos by Rashad. Young is co-editor, along with Khaled Hegazzi, of Meena Magazine, a bi-lingual literary journal based in New Orleans and Alexandria, Egypt.

To read an interview with Andy Young and for more information about the book launch —which will include live music, projections by video artist Kourtney Keller, an installation of Rashad’s photos, and more —visit Room 220.

Waiting for Godot in New Orleans: A Field Guide  edited by Paul Chan enhanced e-book version now available

Waiting for Godot in New Orleans: A Field Guide, publishes for the first time the materials produced and gathered during the making of this multifaceted project, which included the free outdoor performances; theater workshops, educational seminars, conversations, and dinners; a Shadow Fund; and a short film. The book includes the staging diagrams, preparatory drawings, extensive photo documentation, essays and interviews with key project members, and audio recordings from the production.