26 June 2006

For the collection: Phaidon Design Classics

Phaidon_1
I admit it: When I first saw the reviews for Phaidon Design Classics, I was hoping this authoritative 3-volume set would turn out to be over-rated. I live in New York, I have a book-buying problem, and I just don't have the room for yet another "essential" reference. But it looks like I'll be clearing some shelf space ... these enormous yellow volumes are not only useful, but utterly delightful. The 999 entries cover everything from the chopstick to the Atari joystick, beautifully tracing the evolution of design from the 1600s on. The appeal here lies not only in the definitive selection of objects, but also in the curation of images, which incorporate standard product shots as well as blueprints, patents, drawings and vintage ads for products from vacuum cleaners to Volkswagens. The only downside, ironically, is the design. The books come encased in an unwieldy and impenetrable exoskeleton, which photographs well, but fails to function as either a carrying case or a display.

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It's really all in the Design! from
Aesthetics are very important for me. It's for this very simple reason: If you think it is going to serve of any value, or you see it to be of value, then it just has to be presented properly. Function... More...

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dvcarruth – July 3 2006

Having recently bought this as a leaving present for a colleague, i can say that i found the case/handle to be extremely useful when carrying the books from the shop back to work.