26.12.09

Complaint Department: Annoying Book Designs, and The Troubles They Cause



This post by Blue Remembered Hills engendered an excellent discussion about book design a few weeks ago.  Today, I have a pet peeve to add to the list:

Having finished disposing of the usual Christmas trash, I am now moving about 700 books from one location to another in the house.  It is mostly a pleasurable task, coming across old favorites, appreciating the design of others, to say nothing of floor space freed up in the tiny sittng room that the books are leaving. .  There is however, a tiny blot on that happiness, and I am going voice another book design peeve to add to the list:  Books that are longer than they are high, particularly if they are published only in papercover.   It may be a lovely design conceit, especially if one is featuring very horizontal images, but most would be as well served if they were in a regular vertical format.  Why do they peeve me?  The coffee table books thus designed cannot be shelved in a regular depth shelf.  Nor, for that matter can some of the smaller ones (half folio and smaller).  The paperback volumse inevitably fan or warp open on the edge while shelved.  I've tried everything over the years---laying them flat (they still curl and warp), shelving them together, even if it puts them out of category (see laying flat) putting them between larger volumes (there's still always an inch that fans out), weighting them down with something ornamental (it doesn't really serve a book well to have a terra cotta architectural ornament resting on it), and the most drastic solution, giving them to the library book sale.  Additionally, the exposed edges get dirty (yes, the shelves do get dusted).   Wonderful custom slipcases would be the answer, but damn those taxes and new roofs.

A few of the offenders, favorites all.

Oh, and pet peeve #3:  I have quite a few paperback monographs, some without titles on the spine.  Give me a break.  It wouldn't take that much more ink.  Then I could locate them on the shelf easily. Duh.


There, that's off my chest.  Back to sorting books.

Hope you all had a happy holiday.  I did.  Good company, good food, good drink----the first two almost to happy excess, the latter in sensible moderation.

47 comments:

Blue said...

I have spent some time looking for books here in New York but rejected a number because of format. Mind you, had the content had any substance I probably would have bought. It makes me wonder if the designers, even publishers, are readers.

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

Slipcases are a perfect solution,Blue I believe houses his magazine collections in bindings of leather-maybe some of your favourite books would warrant that. I try to think of the shabbier ones especially favourites dog ears and all as fine old friends-forgiving them their sins. I do agree with Blue about the crop of newish books though-the idea of More is more is naught. It is unfortunate the market is glutted because it is fashionable to "collect" coffee table books(a category as it is called that I loathe to use) I think many publishers know that many of their buyers dont read-easier all round for them. GT

The Down East Dilettante said...

Thanks Blue and Augury for your comments.

Although I like a little excess as much as the next person, I do hope that the 'more is more' syndrome is winding down for awhile. Tired I am of over designed books, over designed houses, oversized cookies, and giant martini glasses.

Unknown said...

Love your blog! I have only stumbled upon it today but have spent around 20 minutes surfing it. I love the way you write and its thought inducing manner. Good work!Soba Pobega

Vintage Rugs said...

The Usa offers a lot of choices which choosing it's possible to be difficult! Narrow lower your best choices as well as let your whole family choose.Vintage Rugs

reisbureau online said...

learn to never give up, you have to learn the power and wisdom of site hereunconditional surrender, and that one doesn’t cancel out the other;reisbureau online

their address said...

I laughed out loud, shed some tears … Scrambled Eggs is a theatrical feast for women of all ages and the men who love them!" and CBS’ Magee Hickey “I haven't laughed so hard in years. It's touching, poignant, funny and oh so very real."their address

70s Fashion said...

You have finished a fantastic vacancy. I bequeath definitely plunge it plus personally suggest to my buddys. I am sure they endow be benefited from this position
.70s Fashion

Personal Injury Attorney Tampa said...

Their snowchains furthermore conservation ended up keenly offered amongst underscores. Adjunct instantly, Throughout i restrain handful gender of surface pin in antithesis to most of us idiom about our Canadian suture.Personal Injury Attorney Tampa

Emergency Tree Removal Queens New York said...

My business is your doleful centered business among this fillet serene and hoist an particular developing your ranch to aid iridescence hesitate your enormous attention.Emergency Tree Removal Queens New York

compare conveyancing quotes said...

Great Article it its really informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. its was really valuable. thanks a lot.compare conveyancing quotes

cleaning kitchen hoods said...

The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface.cleaning kitchen hoods

treadmill desk said...

Though my spouse in addition to my spouse and i researed practical dwelling elevators which could once my spouse in addition to my spouse and i getting pregnant doing work lack of a fresh decision corporation. On a regular basis perhaps always be satisfied publishing rewarding essentials and from now on receiving less of a challenge within reaching such a function.treadmill desk

wireless internet said...

It is a sexy prominent bauble. My occupation is cute clout pleased negligible your legitimate pointed. You belong fully important information.wireless internet

money transfer comparison said...

This play which has enjoyed a few readings and stage worked shops has already become favorite amongst some very fancy people including Meredith Vieira who said.money transfer comparison

design your own hoodie said...

This is just the information I am finding everywhere. Thanks for your blog, I just subscribe your blog. This is a nice blog.design your own hoodie

sweatshirts canada said...

I feel firmly about it and also really like comprehending far more with this particular subject matter. In case doable, when you get know-how, is it possible to thoughts modernizing your site together with far more details? It’s extremely useful to me.sweatshirts canada

mice said...

Digital Ads Pays is a company that is here to stay and will help change the lives of so many people.By being a part of my team, you will see exactly how we will take DAPS to the very top!mice

fast love voodoo magic spells said...

This doesn’t mean that you should try to impress me with an elaborate vocabulary or the use of complex sentences.fast love voodoo magic spells

vintage clothing online said...

his is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the excellent work.Rvintage clothing online

airport car service new milford ct said...

Thank you for sharing This knowledge.Excellently written article, if only all bloggers offered the same level of content as you, the internet would be a much better place. Please keep it up!airport car service new milford ct

online room booking said...

Actually I read it yesterday but I had some thoughts about it and today I wanted to read it again because it is very well written.online room booking

custom t shirts toronto said...

I am speechless after seeing these pictures! I love them all! I teach kindergarten and I'm going to make a theme, and photographs have given me so many ideas! You are so talented! Thanks!custom t shirts toronto

building your book cover said...

Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artistsbuilding your book cover

Legal Herbal Online said...

There are so many different prospects when it comes to this subject. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this particular aspect and making it easier for us.golf swing tips

Best economical Dymo Labels said...

Thank you so much for the insights employment contract

Legal Herbal Online said...

If you were looking for someone to embody the essence of a boss lady, Jenna Lyons would be it. She's not only the president and executive creative a fashion label for prime quality Italian leather items.t shirt design

tayyab ali said...

There is a huge craze in the market for these MUVs, I have seen these vehicles in many showrooms. A new car dealership has just launched in our area, I have heard they also have a couple of MUVs in their showroom, pest control services in tucson az

tayyab ali said...

The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.exterminators in tucson

tayyab ali said...

Thanks for the informative blog. The place else may possibly just I get that kind of info written in such a excellent approach? I’ve a venture that I’m just now operating on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such info.tree service nassau county

tayyab ali said...

This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles.crazy bulk trenorol review

tayyab ali said...

I simply want to tell you that I am new to weblog and definitely liked this blog site. Very likely I’m going to bookmark your blog . You absolutely have wonderful stories.vintage shops london

tayyab ali said...

My own wife or husband along with my partner and i definitely savored every single minor them plus recruitment agency Toronto

Unknown said...

What could you possibly ever need help with! I get inspired by you! Tonight I'm going to try to make this. Looks so delicious, and healthy too!golf posture

tayyab ali said...

It's actually a great and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.real estate broker

tayyab ali said...

success always for us all? info is very attractive thanks vintage stores london

tayyab ali said...

It is smaller to be probing your blog post "Lots associated with enjoyable from GeeCON some Children! inches niagara real estate

Legal Herbal Online said...

Somebody carefully offered myself listen it was completely what precisely Later i needed. Somebody got besides beneficial for myself so that you can exegesis, also the conjecture enormously offered myself outer. Present i'm conclusive you might expedition consequently distinct rowdys associating what precisely you should jest.premiercasa

Legal Herbal Online said...

Preparation as well as organization tend to be chief elements to facilitate an excellent camping journey. You must be sure you are totally prepared prior to going camping.Podgorica

tayyab ali said...

check your Aadhar card by name and date of birth. commercial pest control

tayyab ali said...

I am just looking for related websites for my job as well as I happened to discover yours. Many thanks to the outstanding your web site content. cost of tree removals on long island, ny - tree removal ...

tayyab ali said...

I experience considerable difficulties my musings on substance, yet I truly felt I ought to here. Your article is truly extraordinary. I like the way you composed this data. campbell river real estate

tayyab ali said...

i was surfing net and thankfully came throughout this website and found
intensely exciting stuff here. Its in endeavor of truth amusing to
settlement. I enjoyed loads. thank you for sharing this super aspire.babysitting Lynnwood

tayyab ali said...

I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. property management pest control

Anonymous said...

immigration lawyer princeton nj providing legal services and representation to clients throughout the state and region. The firm’s practice areas encompass Corporate Law, family law, divorce, and DACA. Our experience enables us to provide the best solutions through creative ways and specific strategies tailored to your legal matter.

Racesite Pro said...

Common outings let us discuss simplest way to thanks a ton for your personal efforts, which will is why I’m just checking out the positioning on a daily basis, interested in innovative, helpful information and facts. Lots of, thanks a lot! 경마

Mobile app development company said...


Informative and helpful Post. Thanks for sharing. I want to share information about the iOS app development company. Security is not just a feature; it's a foundation of trust that we prioritize in every line of code we craft. Our iOS app development solutions go beyond aesthetics, focusing on the seamless integration of advanced security measures. Partner with Appconsultio to not only enhance your digital presence but also to fortify your enterprise against potential risks, ensuring a secure and reliable environment for your users.