Odds and ends

Specifically, decorative end papers. For me, it's the little features like these that quell the notion that 'print is dead'. For books at least. It's a small thing that can add greatly to the perceived value of a book. Obviously it doesn't suit some books, but it works well in a coffee table-type book where design is a strong element. Here are some nice examples.

Classic: The Revival of Classic Boating in New Zealand – Ivor Wilkins (Godwit, 2010)

I do love a hand-drawn diagram, boats and all. This is but one of this beautiful book's beautiful features.

Atlas of Remote Islands: Fifty Islands I have not visited and never will – Judith Schalansky (Particular Books, 2010)

Old-timey maps are also among my fancies. The orange is unexpected and fantastic.

The Great New Zealand Songbook (Thom Music, 2009)

The design of this book overall isn't really my cup of tea – it's got a bit too much going on. I do think though that housing a CD (of recordings of the songs in the book) within a library card pocket on the end papers is quite nifty. It's done twice, at the beginning and the end of the book. Certainly more appealing than a plastic sleeve.