ejnord.com | Penguin by Design by Phil Baines

If you are looking for insights into the history and process of book cover design, Penguin by Design is it. What really makes this book special is Baine’s insightful commentary on both Penguin history, as well as many universal truths and lessons about design.

The book is organized around galleries of covers, which are accompanied by essays, notes, and commentary on those involved in the design process of various Penguin, Puffin, and Pelican releases. Baines makes a case for how certain figures, such as Jan Tschichold, shape the design culture and occasionally loom over successive design teams.

Beyond the insider history, amazing designs, and legendary figures, the most noteworthy aspect of this book is its unflinching honesty. Baines is quick to point out the many shortcomings of designs in various periods of Penguin history. For me, this is a refreshing departure from the often abstract or detached tone of many design books.

This book really puts you in the thick of the action throughout the many different periods of Penguin history.