Kepes, Gyorgy. Language of Vision by Gyorgy Kepes. Early printing.

Paul Theobald, 1944, 1947. Hardcover in cloth, near very good with wear at spine tips, 4th printing; one inner pane of dust jacket laid in; bookplate, name of previous owner (Ethel S. Fletcher) written on front flyleaf.  Includes numerous reproductions of artwork in a variety of media, including photography and painting by Pablo Picasso, Moholy-Nagy, Nathan Lerner, Berenice Abbott, Harold E. Edgerton, Frank Levstik, Kasimir Malevich, Vladislav Sutnar, Man Ray, Fernand Lever, Alexander Rodchenko, Juan Gris, Gyorgy Kepes, et al.  Includes photograms. A widely distributed and reprinted book although fourth printings are increasingly uncommon. Summary:

Language of Vision by György Kepes (first published in 1944) is a foundational text in visual design and visual literacy, exploring how humans perceive and interpret visual information.

In the book, Kepes examines the principles of visual communication, including form, color, balance, rhythm, and proportion. He emphasizes that visual perception is a language in itself—capable of conveying meaning, emotion, and ideas independently of words. Through diagrams, illustrations, and photographic examples, Kepes demonstrates how design elements interact to create patterns, structures, and symbolic meaning.

The book also discusses the relationship between science, art, and technology, highlighting how understanding visual principles can enhance communication across disciplines, from industrial design to architecture and fine art. Kepes argues that mastery of the “language of vision” enables designers and artists to communicate more effectively and to shape perception intentionally.

In short:
Language of Vision presents visual perception as a structured, learnable language, offering both theoretical insight and practical guidance for artists, designers, and anyone interested in the power of images to convey meaning.