"A Trade in Dreams is a vital contribution to the history of design in the Arab world, tracing a century of Egyptian print advertising through colonial and post-colonial shifts. Often dismissed as too commercial, advertising emerges here as a key site for visual experimentation and professional design practice. With rich imagery woven through historical insights, this book reveals how modernity, identity, and desire were sold, and shaped, through the language of advertising.--Yara Khoury, American University of Beirut "Bahia Shehab has produced a highly readable and compelling history of a century of Egyptian print advertising, delivering fascinating insights into the dynamic world of contemporary industry, commerce, and neoliberalism. A true visual and narrative feast, this book is an entertaining and necessary resource for anyone exploring Egyptian visual culture, rhetoric, and the art of advertising."--Yasmine Motawy, The American University in Cairo "A Trade in Dreams is a fascinating, beautifully illustrated, and nuanced narrative on a topic rarely researched. It offers a unique point of view, situating print advertising as a powerful communication medium that has advanced political and social causes, held up a mirror to society, helped shape visual culture, and contributed to the creation of a lasting national identity. This book is a must-read primer and a critical contribution to both media studies and global design histories.

"--Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, Design historian and founding director of the Khatt Foundation PRAISE FOR A HISTORY OF ARAB GRAPHIC DESIGN: "A significant contribution."--Art Journal "Important and rich."--AIGA Eye on Design "A groundbreaking publication."--Technical Communications "A major feat."--The National News "Easily the best introduction to the history of modern Arab visual culture on the market today."--The Brooklyn Rail "A landmark . recommended." --M.

Lynx Qualey, Al-Fanar Media "Essential."--PRINT "An invaluable resource."--Futuress Magazine "Well documented and supported."--Ahram Hebdo.