Decision made: this afternoon I visited my local independent bookstore and purchased the hardcover version of 1Q84.
The book features a translucent dust cover that works in a tandem with the full color binding to create a cover that is greater than the sum of its parts.
But, the striking design work doesn't end there...
Even before the first words begin, the opening pages promise a story of epic proportions . . . .
And deft touches such as these mirror-image page numbers are suggestive of the alternate realities to which that story will take us.
There are plenty more surprises that I will leave uncovered.
Suffice it to say that, in another book, some of these touches would be overkill, but -- without having so much as read the first word yet -- I feel that, for this novel, they work perfectly.
The designer, Chip Kidd, discusses his work on Knopf's website, and also in the video below:
But, the striking design work doesn't end there...
Even before the first words begin, the opening pages promise a story of epic proportions . . . .
And deft touches such as these mirror-image page numbers are suggestive of the alternate realities to which that story will take us.There are plenty more surprises that I will leave uncovered.
Suffice it to say that, in another book, some of these touches would be overkill, but -- without having so much as read the first word yet -- I feel that, for this novel, they work perfectly.
The designer, Chip Kidd, discusses his work on Knopf's website, and also in the video below:
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Murakami's Boundaries
Fall Reading List
Decisions
Wow - nice book porn! The only reason I don't have it in my hands right now is because someone might give it to me for my birthday. If that doesn't happen, i'll be at Tatanuck this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe translucent dust jacket is a particularly nice touch. Past examples that i've enjoyed include Thomas Pynchon's Mason & Dixon (PDF) and the incredible design to Return to Forever's double-CD set Return to the 7th Galaxy.