I just spoke to a friend who was raving about her favourite Christmas present – a Kindle. Apparently they are awesome, but I am unconvinced. In fact, at first, like many book designers and book lovers, I wrung my hands in despair at the way in which the public accepted and embraced the generic looking gadget as a replacement of the timeless weight of a book. However, I have been encouraged to see that this new technology, far from spelling the death of the traditional book, has instead inspired the publishing industry to pull their socks up and pay more attention to design and the idea of a book being a precious, collectable object with which the equivalent ebooks cannot contend. Average book design just won’t cut it these days and hopefully this simply means more illustration, stronger design and less use of stock imagery. Fingers crossed. But really, how can a piece of fancy plastic contend with something as worn and loved as a well-read paperback? Or the feel and smell of a brand new hardback edition with pretty end papers and fancy finishes?

I read a great article in The Guardian the other day which explores this hot topic and in the closing paragraph, journalist Kathryn Hughes sums up my feelings in such a eloquent way:
‘…beauty comes in many forms…Scuffed corners, marginal notes, ice-cream dribbles and jotted telephone numbers may not exactly be smart, but they add a weight of meaning to a text that the icy perfection of the Kindle or the iPad cannot bear. Americans have a word for such cherished if slightly battered objects – “pre-loved”. And it is in the signs and stigmata of “pre-loving” – as well as in its spiffy cover and sewn-in silk bookmark – that the beauty of a book really resides…’

So, in celebration of good old paper books – here is my pick of 10 gorgeous books which need to be handled and loved….(credits and more after the break.)
Do you agree? Any other hot favourites?

STARTING FROM THE TOP of the post:
1 - Ok, so officially this is 6 books but I am counting it as one. Lush Oliver Sacks series design by Cardon Webb.
2 – I don’t know who designed this but love love love this bird.
3 – Unusual angles, love the colours – and the lettering forming a gun without trying too hard. Nice one Christoper Brand.
4 – Lovely sketchy lettering. Designer credit to come…
5 – Some gorgeous foil finishes on this best seller designed by Ami at Cabin.
6 – 3D design for The Innovators Cookbook by Helen Yentus.
7 – Sherlock Holmes by illustrator Michael Kirkham.
8 - Monochrome trompe l’oeil beauty by Jason Booher.
9 – Another black & white beauty – Feathers – designer unknown. Ideas?
10 – Malcolm Gladwell collection – all beautiful. Designed by Paul Sahre and illustrated by Brian Rea. More detailed images to see here.