Great Book Design Is Timeless
A couple of years ago, in a Halifax used bookstore, I managed to nab a first edition copy of Adventures of a Columnist. First published in 1960, the book is a collection and commentary from Pierre Berton, who at that time was a daily columnist with the Toronto Star.
The book sat on my shelf for a while but just recently I picked it up again to start reading.
In between reading sessions, it’s been sitting on my kitchen table, desk, and coffee table, and every time I walk by it, I’m arrested by the design.
The copyright page reveals that the book was designed by Frank Newfeld. Of course! Newfeld has been a top designer in book design and illustration for the last five decades. He’s designed hundreds of covers for many of the big publishing houses, and has illustrated some of the best known books in Canadian children’s publishing. (Any 30-something Canadian will be familiar with the drawings in Alligator Pie by Dennis Lee — all of them Newfeld’s marvellous work.)
With Adventures, the first thing that grabs you is the front cover.
There’s something intensely compelling about Pierre’s last name in that huge typewriter font. The book title set in a handwritten script — and sharply picked out in red — is a nice contrast and keeps the cover from being too cool.
The banded design of black and white above the main section of the jacket is echoed in the case design. And look at that elegant addition of Pierre’s scribbled signature, again in red to echo the title treatment.
Finally, take a look at the double-spread title page; it simply commands your attention.
Trends in design come and go, but Frank Newfeld’s work proves that great design is great design, no matter what decade it comes from.
Tags: Book Design & Production, dust jacket, Frank Newfeld, Pierre Berton