For over two hundred years, posters have been displayed in public places all over the world. Visually striking, they have been designed to attract the attention of passers-by, making us aware of a political viewpoint, enticing us to attend specific events, or encouraging us to purchase a particular product or service. Posters have become highly sought after by collectors, with some of the most popular fetching many thousands of dollars at auction. This remarkable volume is an illustrated overview of posters throughout history. As well, it is a representative survey of mass culture from the time of the French Revolution to the turn of the twenty-first century. Over 480 posters are reproduced here, 280 in full color, selected for both their historical significance and their striking beauty. Author Max Gallo's wonderfully written and informative text, updated by Charles Flowers, recapitulates the social and political currents of the day, establishing the context in which the posters were created. Book jacket.