Edition Leipzig was a Leipzig-based publisher founded in 1960 as an export publisher in the German Democratic Republic, placing books primarily on Western markets.[1] The publisher’s visual identity is attributed to Gert Wunderlich, a Leipzig-born graphic designer, typographer and type designer who trained as a typesetter before studying at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst in Leipzig.[2]
Design and History
The Edition Leipzig symbol was originally designed by Gert Wunderlich in 1975.[3] Wunderlich was a central figure in the Leipzig typography school, working for over three decades at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst Leipzig, where from 1979 he led the book design and graphic design department.[4] He also developed the typeface Maxima, one of the most widely used typefaces in the GDR.[4]
The publisher underwent significant corporate changes after German reunification. In 1992, Edition Leipzig was taken over by the Dornier media holding, and in April 2003 the rights and holdings of Edition Leipzig, along with those of E. A. Seemann and Henschel, were acquired by managing directors Dr. Jürgen A. Bach and Bernd Kolf, forming the Seemann Henschel publishing group.[1] The Seemann Henschel group was itself taken over by Zweitausendeins in October 2017.[5]
Meaning and Symbolism
The Edition Leipzig mark is described as a circle-based design with a swirl element.[3] No official documentation has been located that explains specific symbolic meaning behind the mark’s individual elements. The publisher’s name itself reflects its Leipzig roots and its role as an “Edition” (publishing house) focused on art and science, as reflected in its alternate name, Edition Leipzig Verlag für Kunst und Wissenschaft.[1]
Typography and Design
Wunderlich’s background as a typesetter and type designer is well documented. He created the typeface Maxima, which was used in countless publications and was also present in Berlin’s public transport signage.[4] However, no source has been found that specifically identifies the typeface used in the Edition Leipzig wordmark itself.
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