Looking for a Good Read?

AIGA is a fantastic organization that exists to support and advance the graphic arts and design. I am personally a student member of the Chicago chapter, and have attended several events, all of which have been outstanding and rewarding. In trying to keep up with all the marvelous things that AIGA does, I came across a collection of books they have assembled, called 50 Books/50 Covers, chosen for demonstrating excellence in design. This collection was one of the best ways I have lost a couple hours of my life in a long time! In this collection you will find one amazing, intriguing book after another, with a design, layout, and details that were carefully chosen to match and enhance the book's contents. I suggest taking the time to go through as many as you can, and reading the descriptions of the books as you go. You might just find your next Must Read! Below are some of my favorites from the collection.

For it's use of strong, simplified graphic elements to give the contents a fresh, new face: "Clássicos Saraiva collection"
Multiple Contributing Authors
Design Firm: REX Design



For its playful nature: "L is for Lollygag"
Illustrator: Melinda Beck
Designer: Tracy Sunrize Johnson

For it's elegance and use of visual metaphor:
"Zibaldone, de las cinco etapas de la vida"
Author, Director, Designer: Ana Cortils

For enhancing the title, and visual interest: "The Age of Entanglement"
Author: Louisa Gilder
Design Firm: Alfred A. Knopf
Jacket Design: Jason Booher



For it's power through simplicity, and unique design:
"The Way Through Doors"
Author: Jessie Ball
Design Firm: Vintage Books
Designers: Jason Booher & Helen Yentus

For the perfect use a single image:
"Brought to Light: Photography and the Invisible 1840 - 1900"
Multiple Contributing Authors
Design Firm: San Fransisco Museum of Modern Art
Designer: James Williams