Simple as it is, the Macmillan logo looks recognizable, modern, and unique, with its clear and sleek typeface and distinctive colors.
Meaning and history
Macmillan Publishers Ltd was established in 1843 by two brothers. Today the company is the property of Holtzbrinck Publishing Group.
Old Macmillan symbol
One of the earliest logos could be seen in the Leslie Stephen’s biography of Alexander Pope published in 1880. That was quite an intricate emblem featuring two letters “M” (the smaller one behind the bigger one), the ampersand symbol and the letters “Co”. Also, there were three dots. The logo was placed inside three rectangular frames: two thinner frames inside and a bolder one around them.
Current emblem
The logo includes two parts: the emblem and the wordmark. The emblem itself depicts a stylized open book, but it also resembles sea gulls or waves. The image may be given as 2D or 3D depending on whether it is placed on digital media or books. Next to it, there is the word “Macmillan” in lowercase letters. Below it, the name of the company division can be seen (Macmillan Publishers, Macmillan Learning or Education).
Prior to the current emblem, the one with capitalized letters was used. The typeface was also different: it was a more old-school serif font.
Font
The typeface is sleek and modern. The rounded sans serif font does not boast uniqueness yet is perfectly legible.
Color
The current Macmillan logo features a red emblem, black and red letters, and a grey vertical line between them. All these are placed against the white background.
