Why Things Look The Way They Do

This academically rigorous work uses innovativequantitative and qualitative research methods toexamine change happening over time to art anddesigned objects. Using Darwinian Evolutionary theories,including Natural Selection and Sexual Selection, andSocio-economic Cyclical theories, including those ofKondratiev, this work looks at possible causes ofchange, bringing together seemingly unrelatedtheories to form a powerful synthesis.Using images of table lamps and clocks fromLittlewood's Mail Order Catalogue 1932-80 to trackdesign change over time, comparisons are made with abroad range of socio-historical events, scientificdiscoveries, and manufacturing innovations happeningthroughout the same period, showing synchronicitybetween events and change, and offering explanationsfor why this might be.Discussing complex ideas and information in straightforward style, the presentation of Cyclical andDarwinian Evolutionary theories is augmented by aninsightful overview of the theories of Lamarck,Spencer and Dawkins, which will interest Biologistsas well as Art Historians and all those wantinganswers to the profoundly simple question of whythings look the way they do.... Mehr