Smoke Proofs: Essays on Literary Publishing, Printing and Typography

by Andrew Steeves

Why do we accept shoddy books? This is the question at the heart of Smoke Proofs, a collection of six essays and one interview which takes a frank look at the state of the art of literary publishing, printing and book design in Canada. Ranging from the philosophical and the historical to the nuts and bolts of making books and getting them to market, Smoke Proofs argues for an approach to trade publishing which returns to its printerly roots, one in which the characteristics of various tools and techniques are considered alongside the broader implications of their use in the culture. Whether he's discussing ebooks, the de-professionalization of typography, the design of poetry books, the fetish for colour pictures on book covers, or our complicated relationship with the notion of ''beauty'', Steeves continually points the reader back to his or her own responsibility for the preservation and use of that amazing, wily and robust cultural tool—the book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Writing

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2014

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I considered giving this 4 stars, because it is so beautiful (a compliment that Steeves takes issue with in the first chapter of this book about literature, typography, and publishing). It is stunningly well put together (and it won an Alcuin Society award because of it) -- and it's certainly the loveliest book I've bought this year. But, the essays are hit and miss, I think. The best of the bunch is "The Shape of the Poem," in which Steeves provides the best account I've seen anywhere about the role of typography in contemporary poetry; everyone who cares about poetry or typography needs to read that essay. His musings about building and making (as opposed to a 'purer' sensibility about the literary arts) are also compelling. The weaker parts of the book are where Steeves plays moralist, decrying the sad state of bookmaking today and our thoughtless relationship to digital technology. Here, he sounds like a much older man... Steeves is only 45; I don't think he's old enough yet to be the curmudgeon he sounds like in much of this book.

[Andrew Sare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literary criticism about the physical construction of books from typesetting, to use of colours, paper, and government funding, to the effect that these details have on Canadian culture.

Fascinating.

Andrew Steeve's Gaspereau Press consciously designs great quality books. And, "after all , if a publisher accepts lazy design, or flashy, trendy covers, why should we believe that their eye for, or treatment of, literary content is any more refined?" - Unfortunately, however the library (likely actually the library which caries the greatest number of his books) covered the artistically paper cover of this book with plastic, thereby ruining that aesthetic.

The plastic sticks to the hand and crinkles awkwardly while reading in bed at night.

I'll continue to look for the best literature in all formats, colours and textures. It would be nice however, if all could sit in the hand like Gaspereau Press products (minus the plastic cover added by the library).

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master of his trade, this is Andrew Steeves writing about literary publishing, printing and typography. I learned a lot, I found a new appreciation for the books I love so much, and it was a delight to delve into the back stage of this world. Well done!

[Mandy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes curmudgeonly but always impassioned. A kind of honest elitism. Full of provocations and commitments. For anyone concerned with printed words.

[Matt Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Steeves argues we should demand more of the books we purchase. The quality of a book can be a difficult thing to define in quantitative terms because most books are constructed from the same materials and principles. A page layout that soars in one instance may just as easily sour in another; what separates good design from bad is that it cannot be achieved by the simple means of prescription.

Read more here: https://www.mattcreynolds.com/books/s...