All over the world posters are visually striking, designed to attract the attention of passers-by and entice them to purchase a particular product or service, make them aware of a political viewpoint or attend a specific event. This text presents an overview of posters throughout history, as well as a survey of mass culture from the French Revolution to the 1970s. The posters are selected for their historical importance and beauty, while the text recapitulates the social and political currents of the day, placing each poster in its historical context. Also included is an essay on the development of poster art by Carlo Arturo Quintavelle.