‘Audio Erotica’ Explores the History of Hi-Fi Brochures From the ‘50s to ‘80s

Call it what you will, the resurgence of analog listening has exploded in popularity over the past decade — from cassette tapes to CDs to of course, vinyl. More than just the sound quality, the ritual of playing on an analog format, as opposed to easily tapping a button on a phone, is just as much about the design aesthetic of many of the turntables, storage furnishings and accessories people have paid in the thousands to complement their setups, as it is the music itself.

Going all the way back to the beginning, Audio Erotica is a new book that chronicles the history of hi-fi brochures, from Aiwa to Sony to Zenith. Published by British studio FUEL, the forthcoming book is the brainchild of Trunk Records founder Jonny Trunk and complements the author’s recent title that explored car ads from the ’60s to ’80s.

Graphic designers will find both books as a treasure trove for art direction from bygone eras, as well as unique typefaces that, similar to the renewed interest in high end amps and turntables, is rearing its head into the style guides of emerging designers and corporate rebrands.

Audio Erotica: Hi-Fi Brochures 1950s–1980s spans 240 pages and is available to preorder for $35 USD.