Book design

A talk and exhibition marking the launch of Andrew Haslam’s indispensable guide to the subject.
Wednesday 31 October 2007

Drinks and viewing of the exhibition in the Bridewell Hall (not the Farringdon Room as previously advised), 6.00 pm
Talk in the Bridewell Hall, 7.00 pm

• Admission: £5 (concessions £3) on the door
• Venue: St Bride Foundation
• A small exhibition of books designed by students and alumni from the MA Communication Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art – some of which feature in the book – accompanies the talk.

Book design is a comprehensive and practical guide for students and experienced designers alike. The illustrated text takes the reader through every aspect of the subject, from the components that make up a book, to the intricacies of grid construction and typeface selection. The role of the designer is discussed, with advice on how to interpret a design brief, guidance on the use of type, images and information graphics. A range of approaches to layout are discussed and the production process is explained, including information on reproduction, printing and binding. Andrew will talk about the broad range of approaches covered in Book design and show examples of the work that features in the book.

Book design is published by Laurence King. Signed copies will be for sale at a special reduced price before and after the talk.

Andrew Haslam graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1987. Since then he has run his own studio in London creating science, history and geography books for children. He has published 28 children’s books. Recognition for his work includes the American Institute of Physics Award for Science writing, the Geographic Association Gold medal for most significant contribution to geography and the American Readers’ Digest Creative Children’s Media Award for best series. For 12 years he has combined his studio work with teaching graphic design and typography, first at the University of Brighton and then at Central Saint Martins. He was Head of Typography at the London College of Printing before becoming Course Director of MA Communication Design at Central Saint Martins and is currently Head of Graphic Design.