Psychedelia, Hip-Hop, Gothic, flowers, smoke, hair, electricity and monuments are just a few of the creative allusions in the hundreds of dramatic and intricate examples inspired by nature, history and just about anything that is visually expressive.

This book begins with a historical outline of ornament and its evolution through the major creative periods from the beginnings of the 20th century to the present. The heart of the book contains hundreds of contemporary examples from around the world, organized into three sections, each with a brief essay introducing the background, influences and outstanding aspects of the graphic works.