PM (An Intimate Journal For Art Directors, Production Managers, and their Associates) was the leading voice of the U. S. Graphic Arts Industry from its inception in 1934 to its end in 1942 (then called AD). As a publication produced by and for professionals, it spotlighted cutting-edge production technology and the highest possible quality reproduction techniques (from engraving to plates). PM and A-D also championed the Modern movement by showcasing work from the vanguard of the European Avant-Garde well before this type of work was known to a wide audience.

In April 1937, the editors of PM announced their intent to devote their July or August issue entirely to the Bauhaus school. The issue was to be guest edited by Professor Josef Albers and was to feature contributions by Walter Gropius, Xanti Schawinsky, Grace Alexandra Young, William Lescaze and A. Lawrence Kocher. The importance of this issue and of the mission of the editors is summed up in the editorial notes of the announcement:

"This issue will be the most ambitious expression of the editors' belief that those engaged in a given art of design should be aware of their common interest with those in other branches if design, whether it be poster art, typography, scenic design, furniture design, or architecture."

Both PM and AD measured 5.5 x 7.75 with a variety of bindings, including saddle-stitching, perfect-binding and spiral and wire-o-bindings. The publication, which was the only non-profit, cooperative graphic arts magazine in the US, ran for a total of 66 issues and in February-March 1938 it became a bi-monthly. Designers who produced covers for PM and AD include Lester Beall, Paul Rand, Herbert Bayer, Will Burtin, Lynd Ward, E. McKnight Kauffer, Joseph Binder, Lucien Bernhard and many others.

For an unsurpassed overview of both PM and AD magazine, see go to Erin K Malone's Rochester Institute of Technology MFA Thesis project: http://www.drleslie.com/

According to Malone: "The first issue to feature an artist was in March 1936. The entire front section was designed by Lucian Bernhard and featured his work as well as biographical information.

"As the magazine evolved to become a journal for art directors and designers, so too did the covers. While early covers of the journal focussed on new or interesting printing and production processes, later covers were uniquely designed, featuring a unique interpretation of the journal name, often by the feature artist of the issue. "