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ASSIGNMENT 1

Form Follows Content

Your task is to create a book in an edition of two using one of the structures learned in class (or with instructors approval, an alternative one) in which the form and structure and materials of the book relates to the content or subject matter of the book. You are required to read the introduction and the chapter entitled The Book as Physical Object in Keith Smith's Structure of the Visual Book. (pages 11 - 58) You should be able to answer the following questions about your book:

• How does the binding I choose relate to the subject? Historically, regionally, traditionally…
• How does the ease (or difficulty) of viewing reveal or hide my subject matter? Is the viewer gaining full access to my content and if not, why?
• How does the size of my book effect the viewer's reaction to the content? Does it need to be gigantic or miniscule to really tell the story well?
• How do the materials I have chosen relate to the content? Is the cover material appropriate for the subject matter I am addressing? Is the text paper? The endpapers (if any)?
• How fragile is my book? Will it standup to many people handling it? Where will it be read? On a table, in a lap, on a pedestal, etc?
• How does the over structure and feel of the book marry with the overall content? Does the form enhance the content?

You will create an edition of two. This means that you will have two identical books. Everything about them will be exactly the same. When you are trying to make decisions about papers, materials, content, size, format, sewing style, etc, you should work all of these questions out in a mock-up book. This is not to be part of your edition, but rather a working proof.

DUE FEBRUARY 22

QUESTIONS:

Peter Verheyen
Preservation and Digital Access Librarian
Syracuse University Library
443-9756
<pdverhey@syr.edu>

Office Hours:
By appointment at Special Collections Research Center, 6th Floor, E. S. Bird Library. Mon-Wed, Fri, 8am - 4:00pm.