Louise Fili’s Book List
Favorite books offer a certain intimacy—I can remember precisely where and when I found each one, and I keep them nearby on a dedicated shelf in my studio.
As a designer and teacher, I constantly rely on these books not only as a source of inspiration for my own work, but also to share; I savor the excitement of introducing them to my staff and students.
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This exhaustive documentation of the signage of Barcelona could convince even the non-designer to catch the next flight to Spain. Beautifully photographed and organized, it covers all aspects of urban facade embellishment—from door numbers to mosaics to hand-painted signs. I never tire of looking at this book, and turn to it often when I am seeking reference or general inspiration.
When legendary adman George Lois speaks, we all listen. Who can argue with rule # 46: “If all else fails, threaten to commit suicide.” I gave a signed copy to everyone on my staff.
This collection of late 19th-century letterpress samples, featuring novel compositions of decorative typefaces and ornaments in exquisite color palettes, is eye candy at its best.
This French sign painter’s manual has been a great source of inspiration for decades.
Although this book was published in 1898, the type samples always look remarkably fresh to me. Monograms, illuminated letters, and dimensional type make this hefty volume a favorite.
Designer Jake Tilson shares my affection for food, type, and Italy. This charming book features three distinctive fonts he created, inspired by a tomato can, a shop receipt, and the iconic stenciled street signage of Venice.
This two-volume set, with CD, is an exhilarating compendium of type specimens and ornaments from the U.S. and Europe. Volume One spans 1628 to 1900, and Volume Two from 1900 to 1938. Every time I open one of these books I find a new surprise.
In 13 short stories, the brilliant Sciascia deftly captures the essence of Sicily.
Featured Book Fair Title
Announcements
Design Books to Win, December 18, 2014: Winners of Five Books by Pentagram Designers Announced
The winners of five books designed by Pentagram have been announced. The three winners are Joy Weeeng, Tyler Wilson, and Tim Zissou — congratulations!
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Our new giveaways begin again in 2015.
New Book Release, December 31, 2014: What If...?: The Architecture and Design of David Rockwell
Widely admired for his sophistication, creativity and exuberance, David Rockwell is one of the leading architects, interiors architects, and set designers working today. For over 30 years, he has explored his desire to imagine new worlds, to tell stories and to engage with others. This interest is rooted in his sense of play and possibility—an endless curiosity that continually drives him to ask, “What if?”
Edited by Chee Pearlman; texts by David Rockwell, et al.
Published by Metropolis Books
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New Book Release, February 3, 2015: The Modern Architecture Symposia, 1962–1966: A Critical Edition
In a series of three symposia at Columbia University in the 1960s, leading scholars and critics gathered to re-examine the architecture of the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s and assess its scope and significance anew. Chaired by Henry-Russell Hitchcock with the support of Philip Johnson, the Modern Architecture Symposia marked a pivotal moment in the reappraisal of early modern architecture and its historiography during the late modern period.
Edited by Rosemarie Haag Bletter and Joan Ockman, with Nancy Ecklund Later
Published by The Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture; distributed by Yale University Press
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New Book Release, February 9, 2015: Reproducing Scholten & Baijings
The first book on the work of the Amsterdam-based studio Scholten & Baijings, which has become renowned for its sensitive and subtle yet functional products—from ceramics and silverware to textiles and even a concept car.
By Louise Schouwenberg
Published by Phaidon Press
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New Book Release, February 17, 2014: B is for Bauhaus, Y is for YouTube: Designing the Modern World from A to Z
A tool kit, done in A–Z form, for understanding the world around us through the way we design and use things. Covering subjects that range from authenticity to Grand Theft Auto to Dieter Rams, Deyan Sudjic’s latest book has been called “a master class in musing on modern design.”
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By Deyan Sudjic
Published by Rizzoli
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New Book Release, September 16, 2014: Designing Here/Now
An ambitious global compendium of the most thoughtful and innovative design objects (over 500) invented or produced in the past five years, compiled by experts at the online industrial design magazine Core 77.
Edited by Allan Chochinov and Eric Ludlum
Published by Thames & Hudson
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