Last time, I discussed the tasks of designing and typesetting books. I mentioned that it is important to spend some time studying books on the subject to learn as much as you can…before setting out to actually design and typeset your own book.
Here are four books that I highly recommend (these are not really step-by-step instruction manuals but provide background and insights into the process and art of good book design):
Bookmaking: Editing/Design/Production, Third Edition by Marshall Lee
The Complete Manual of Typography: A Guide to Setting Perfect Type by James Felici
For a hands-on, nuts-and-bolts explanation of book design with a step-by-step approach to doing it yourself, you absolutely must have Pete Masterson’s outstanding Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers.
There are many other books, some excellent and some of limited usefulness. But the above books will set you down the right path with a broad understanding of why books are designed and laid out the way they are. And you must understand the evolution of book design as well as the basic, accepted rules before you can start breaking those rules.
Do you have other favorite books on design and typesetting of books? If so, post them in a comment right here and share them.
3 Comments
August 17, 2009 at 9:06 am
Have to second Pete Masterson’s Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers. This is my publishing bible. Anyone who’s seriously contemplating publishing a book of any sort ought to get a copy.
August 17, 2009 at 9:48 am
Pete’s book is a treasure trove of information. The other books I listed provide insights into the art of book design, with far less step-by-step process. All are worth studying.
August 17, 2009 at 10:55 am
Definitely have to mention Pete’s book!