Notes On Book Design by Formal Settings

by Amanda-Li Kollberg, Siri Lee Lindskrog

Notes on Book Design is a collection of 50 texts written by designers Siri Lee Lindskrog and Amanda-Li Kollberg of graphic and type design studio Formal Settings, based on books from the collection of Hopscotch Reading Room in Berlin. The texts draw parallels between the book as a design object and the cultural movements, political landscapes and economic conditions under which it was created. With an introduction by Formal Settings, a foreword by Hopscotch Reading Room and an afterword in which designer, author and educator Prem Krishnamurthy offers additional framing and perspective to the project.

Genres: Design

344 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Francisco Crespi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! I found the idea behind the book and its format innovative and entertaining. The selection of books reviewed by the authors covers a broad range of topics, but most importantly, these books feel relevant today.

Part of the joy of reading a physical book is being away from my phone, so I have mixed feelings about an Instagram post format finding its way into a printed book. In a similar sense, reviews that had no visual references in the book felt a bit pointless. I felt like I had to look up the books on the internet to get the full story. I didn't. I wish the reviews were longer and more in-depth, as I'm sure the authors had more things to say about each book they reviewed. 

I enjoy editorial design and admittedly know very little about it, so observing the typefaces, color schemes, binding methods, and many other decisions that go into designing a book was super insightful and fun to read.

Highly recommend it if you're into graphic design and books as objects

[Ugne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Well written and certainly interesting. I just wish ALL of the books discussed had visual references.

[selin ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great read for thinking about and admiring books/book design—less educational and more like quick quips and observations of books that designers enjoy