Books
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Beautiful Evidence b...
This week I had the pleasure of seeing Edward Tufte speak at a one day course in Los Angeles. Heralded by The New York Times as "the Leonardo da Vinci of data," Tufte is an innovator in information design and data visualization, specializing in transparency and clarity. The emphasis is on disseminating unbiased, accurate content to your audience and to do whatever it takes to do so. Beautiful Evidence is one of four books that is handed out at the course, each book is beautiful, with charts and diagrams that had all the design nerds salivating. I recommend all of…
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Good Ink: American S...
I recently spotted this delightful box set at Land Gallery. Put out by mini-notebook maker extraordinaire Scout Books, this box set includes their entire set of Good Ink: American Shorts, ten total, plus two blank notebooks. Each 32 page pocket-sized volume pairs a must-read American Author with a contemporary illustrator. I'm sure you can buy these classics used for a lower price, but keep in mind that purchasing these supports independent publishers, printers and artists. The books included in the set: Vol. 1 “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce Illustrated by François Vigneault Vol. 2 “Rip Van…
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Penguin THREADS Clas...
If you've not seen the new Penguin THREADS Classics, you're in for a treat. Jillian Tamaki hand embroidered the images for these three classics and the results are pretty impressive. I remember seeing these on her blog while they were in progress and now they're finally available to buy just in time for the holidays. Of course, the books are sculptural-embossed with full wraparound images so you can fully appreciate the design, but do take a look at the actual embroidered pieces over at Jillian Tamaki. Books also available at Penguin for $16.00 each.
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It's Lonely in the M...
How behind the times I am... I just now found out that Unhappy Hipsters has a book coming out. Full of the photos and accompanying quotes we have read and loved, along with some "awesome" home tips, It's Lonely in the Modern World is a an 'add to cart' no-brainer. You can order it from Barnes and Noble ($13.29) or Amazon ($13.57). "It’s Lonely in the Modern World is full awesome tips on how to turn your ho-hum house into a pinnacle of modern design, with just a few swaths of white paint and a rough concrete floor (plus or…
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Pinhole Cameras: A D...
Sure, maybe your phone takes okay photos, but does it take weird, interesting, surprising, one-of-a-kind photos that only a pinhole camera can capture? And, did you know you can make a pinhole camera from just the stuff sitting around your house? With excellent information and step by step instructions (illustrated), author Chris Keeney has compiled a variety of pinhole cameras that you can make at home. Oatmeal canisters, mint tins, matchboxes, and more... all inexpensive ways to take some truly original shots. Check it out.
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US Constitution
Can you name one right or freedom guaranteed by the first amendment? What about the second? Do you know what part of the government has the power to declare war? Answers below. Take the Full Civic Literacy Exam and find out how you score compared to the average citizen (and most local elected officials). If you fail, or even if you pass, think about adding this palm-sized version of the US Constitution to your mobile library. It includes the complete Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and every constitutional amendment to the present day. Also available from Amazon for $21.07. Q:…
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Social Memories
Ah yes, of course, an analog version of your Facebook data. Here's how it works. You add the app to your Facebook and it manipulates data over a time period (selected by you) and then the app transforms it to a 28-page book format. Haven't you always wanted to read your Facebook like an actual book? Eh...no...but, everything's going analog these days anyway, haven't you heard?
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A Collection A Day B...
If you've enjoyed following Lisa Congdon as she documented her 2010 Collection a Day project, then you'll most likely want to buy a signed copy of her book, right? All 365 collections are shown in full color photographs, and in chronological order, of course. Available from Collection A Day, $35.00. Designed and published by UPPERCASE.
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Graphic USA: An Alte...
Cicada Books presents Graphic USA, an alternative guidebook to 25 American cities written and illustrated by graphic designers. Graphic USA gives you an insider's view of the best (and occasionally weird) restaurants, hotels, galleries, bars and coffee shops, all with quirky illustrations/graphics by the artists that live in each city. It's quite like reading a friend's notes on interesting places that you should see, with tidbits and paragraphs to help you along your way. The book has been designed by Joana Niemeyer at design studio April and edited by Ziggy Hanaor at Cicada. Here's a few pages to give you…
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Andrew Zuckerman: Mu...
Remember Andrew Zuckerman's Bird and Creature books? Now he's entered into the world of music with a book and iPad app featuring portraits of over fifty musicians. The app has the added bonus of individual films included (see below). To see more, visit the site: Andrew Zuckerman: Music And, of course, here's the video showcasing the Music app: Andrew Zuckerman Music App from Andrew Zuckerman Studio on Vimeo. Actual book cover, which seems slightly less exciting compared to the app....
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Six Books of Euclid
For anyone interested in geometry, this book is a must have. Not familiar with the name Euclid nor the images on the cover of the book? Here's some context: Oliver Byrne (c. 1810–c. 1880) translated the theorems of Greek mathematician Euclid (aka the "Father of Geometry") into colorful diagrams and figures in order to make learning easier. Considering the distinct Mondrian feel you get while examining the pages, it's remarkable that Byrne created the original edition of Euclid in 1847. More images below. For more information, visit Taschen Books.
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Objectivity: A Desig...
I only had a brief moment to skim through this at the bookstore, but yeah, it's definitely a must-have for any design enthusiast. Objectivity: A Designer's Book of Curious Tools is a new illustrated book highlighting over 400 tools and objects ranging from everyday objects to the more exotic and highly specialized. In my opinion, this book is much more interesting and educational than the Objectified movie, which I only found to be so-so. 20.80 x 20.80 cm 192 pages Images via Thames and Hudson
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Phaidon Design Class...
We featured Phaidon Design Classics "a monstrous 3 volume set of books that covers the last 200 years of product design " a few years back. Recently released is a digital version specifically for the iPad, taking full advantage of its gesture interface and gorgeous display. It's quite a deal at just under 20 bucks, and well, you don't need to spend any more money if you bought yourself an iPad to begin with. Non iPadders can purchase the original 3 book set for $175.
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3D Typography
Whether you're interested in typography or not, this book is one visual treat that will leave an impression. Featuring experimental 3D typography from over 100 international designers, typographers and artists, there's all sorts of interesting methods of creating typography captured through photography, with some pictures truly worthy of hanging-on-the-wall-as-art. As stated on the publisher's website, the featured artists "return the literal heft to letters." Nice. To learn more about the book visit 3D Typography's website. Excerpts/pics shown below. Jeanette Abbink & Emily CM Anderson Size: 8.7 x 11 inches Publication Date: June 2010 ISBN: 978-0-9841906-2-1
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The Selby Is in Your...
You might be familiar with The Selby, and if so, you might have already ordered your copy of the book. If you're not familiar with either, take a look. Both are chock full of interesting interiors* of the many creative individuals that Todd Selby comes across. *Interesting in that they're not very 'designer', they're more real-life sort of places, which is refreshing compared to shelter mags where they shoot/make everything super perfect.