An anthology of Chip Kidd’s ingenious book covers

Chip Kidd: Work: 1986-2006, Book One

by Chip Kidd

Rizzoli

2005, 304 pages, 9 x 12 x 1.2

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The world’s best book cover designer is Chip Kidd. Kidd has designed hundreds of best-selling books, and continues to amaze readers today. His designs are marked by sympathetic creativity. In his cover designs there is usually at least one unexpected element but it is always in the service of what the book is about. The better you know a book, the better the cover works; at the same time, knowing nothing as a mere browser, his covers call you to stop and look, to investigate. Chances are that if you have a favorite book cover, he designed it. But Kidd also turns out to be a fabulous writer. In this anthology of his designs up to the year 2006, he writes lucidly about his uneven process in making each design, his wrong turns, the ways he solved the problem and what he was thinking at the time. He is a generous spirit, sharing what he’s learned, optimistic and grateful, and supportive of the authors. He is also a reader! His covers work so well because he’s really read the book. Closely. All this makes this book (and his ingenious cover!) about books, both a fantastic read and a memorable visual experience. It’s one of my all-time favorite design books. — Kevin Kelly