Book
shelf
Who doesn’t enjoy a good read about micro-typography? Not everyone, apparently. There are lots of bigger and better reading lists about design and communication out there – this is a personal, evolving list of some things coming to mind that I’ve found interesting and recommend.
Great for …
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… making you think
Design as Art Design
Thought-provoking and invigorating perspective on people’s connection with design. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… heros
Paul Rand Designers
Informative, visually rich account of the legend who didn’t do options, just the right design. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… getting stuck in to type
The Elements of Typographic Style Typography
Seminal work on typography. The physical book is as much a joy as the text. Read this before you next use a keyboard. Part history, manifesto, encyclopedia. Poetic and artistic leanings. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… attention to detail
Detail in Typography Typography
Tiny but mighty nicely produced guide from Hyphen Press. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… quick, refreshing reads
79 Short Essays on Design Designers
Entertaining, well-written accounts with industry insight from the sartorialist design legend. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… making information tell a story
The Visual Display of Quantative Information Infographics
Heavy in information and wisdom. Will keep you thinking and may make you very dissapointed with the majority of ‘information’ graphics you see next … Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… a primer in signage
Signage and Wayfinding Design Environmental graphic design
Small but solid guide, packed with information on processes, design and case studies. If you need just one desk reference on signage, this is the one. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… more signs
Signage Systems and Information Graphics Environmental graphic design
Good case studies and comprehensive visuals. You’ll never look at an airport the same way (which can be troublesome if you’re in a hurry to catch a flight). Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… making things work
The Design of Everyday Things Usability
Informative and witty read. Forgive yourself the next time you push a ‘pull’ door. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… how to apply (and explain) usability
Don’t Make Me Think! Usability
Practical and fiesty, part good practice (and common sense), part business sense. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… typographic principles
Typographic Design: Form and Communication Typography
Start here. Good education reference. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… branding, step by step
Branding in Five and a Half Steps Branding, design
Goldmine packed with methods, tools and case studies of throughtful brands and identities. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… branding, in brief
The Brand Gap Branding, design
Small but mighty guide, with three big little questions and a killer spread on killing focus groups (not literally). Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… cracking copy
The Copy Book Advertising
The nearest thing to a Walkers grab-bag for copy. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… space to think
John Pawson: Anatomy of Minimum Architecture
Can’t make the Design Museum? Refresh a heavy mind with some of Pawson’s spaces. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… in-house design leaders
Org Design for Design Orgs Design, business
Landmark practical guide that covers everything from strategy to recruitment. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… changing how you see books
Designing Books: Practice and Theory Typography, book design
Insightful analysis of all parts of the book. Maintains Hyphen Press’ standards in quality book design and production. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… knowing the rules
The Economist Style Guide Typography, style
Snappy style guide. Punctuate like a pro. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… knowing lots more rules
Hart’s Rules Typography, style
Essential reference if you set text. Points of style can sometimes be fussy, but this is a very comprehensive guide. Older ‘compositors’ versions are an interesting find for references on tables and initial caps. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… a masterclass on book design
Notes on Book Design Design
Wonderful work and explanations of Birdsall’s design decisions, and technical things. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… a history lesson
The Art of the Printed Book Typography, history
Good point of reference, with informative text and good full-size plates. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… staying on top form
The Form Book Usability
Forms are perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ’good design‘ – until you use a bad one. Ironically, the most handsome book for the driest subject. Broad coverage, including history, micro- and macro-level design. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… cheering you up
It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be Design
Open at any page and feel ready for action. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… keeping the ideas flowing
How to Use Innovation & Creativity in the Workplace Design
Listen to the legend and define, develop and defend creativity. Facilitate braindumps that don’t end in migranes. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… poster lovers
Milton Glaser Posters Design
Desk-friendly format with hundreds of Glaser’s designs and commentary. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .
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… a font of knowledge
Printing Types Typography
Masterpiece of Biblical proportions. You’ll never look at poor old Mr Baskerville’s type the same way. Reviewed by James de Leiburne .