work blog about search
 
 

A quantum design

Quantum

We're loving the design of this hardback edition of Quantum of Solace (The Complete James Bond Short Stories) from Angus Hyland and Fabian Herrmann over at Pentagram.

The book is cloth bound, with just a Walther PPK (and silencer) on the front, the title, author and publisher on the spine, and a combined 007 and Penguin logo on the reverse; all foilblocked in silver.

It also has claret coloured endpapers, and a rather squat page size of 5" x 7", which lends it the rather pleasing air of prayer book. (Does anyone know if that's a standard book size, and if so, what it's called?)

It comes with an embossed manila belly-band that replicates the feeling of classified documents. Deeply lovely. (And a tip-top Christmas present. Pick up Quantum of Solace at Amazon for just £14.) On a side note, it feels like there's the beginnings of a trend starting for higher-end editions of popular fiction. We reckon it might be something to do with the growth of e-readers and online books. Perhaps people are beginning to look at books with new eyes, and realising that their tactile qualities are there to be celebrated and valued. After all, if you can just download a book, then when you buy one it's as something to love, cherish and keep. And heck, that's just great news for designers.

posted: 27 November 2008
categories: Books
 
recommended reading

Ace Jet 170
One of the finest individual design blogs (it’s been going as long as I have!) from Irish designer Richard Weston. Covering found type, print and stuff.

Casual Optimist
If you want to know what’s happening in the world of book cover design, keep an eye on this excellent blog by Dan Wagstaff.

Design Declares
A growing group of designers, design studios, agencies and institutions who have declared a climate and ecological emergency. As part of the global declaration movement, we commit to harnessing the tools of our industry to reimagine, rebuild and heal our world.

Eye Magazine
The best graphic design magazine out there, from editor John L. Walters and art director Simon Esterson.

Flat File
A fantastic collection of online publications based on pieces from the Herb Lubalin Study Centre.

Justin’s Amazing World
Justin Hobson, of Fenner Paper, is a bona fide expert on paper & print, and a charming chap to boot. His blog features in-depth analysis of the projects he’s worked on, including a few of our own.

Kottke.org
One of the oldest blogs on the web. And one of the best.

Spitalfields Life
The anonymous Gentle Author of this wonderful blog has promised to write 10,000 stories about the life & culture of Spitalfields in east London, writing one story each and every day.

St Bride Library
The St Bride Library houses one of the world’s finest collection of books (& related objects) about printing and design. It also hosts unmissable design talks and events.