In this book, I am going to explore five well-designed books and analyze them. However, in this case, I will be analyzing books about economics and political issues rather than design and creative subjects. These books belong to my boyfriend, and together we are going to examine how these “boring” books can actually abe very interesting—not only to analyze, but also to appreciate for their design and presentation.
To do this, I will be analyzing and comparing aspects such as trim size, page count, typefaces, page numbers, among others. I will also examine their content, color palettes, and cost. These details, among others, will make this project the ultimate guide to five books that seemingly have nothing to do with design—but actually they kind of do.
THE REVOLT OF THE PUBLIc
The Revolt of the Public by Martin Gurri argues that the rise of digital media has empowered the public, leading to widespread distrust of elites and institutions. This shift has fueled protests and political disruption around the world.
Typeface:
In the cover we can see a very bold all caps san serif typeface. However, on the inside of the book we can see a classic serif typeface, around 11 pt with standard leading, it’s clean, legible, and suited for body text with a formal but a very interactive tone.
Trim Size:
Page Count:
Page structure and grid:
6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 Inches 448 1 Colum 1.[Footnote]
number
6.5 in
9.5 in
Binding:
Perfect binding
Hard cover
Color usage
Cover color pallete
[For text]
Image Placement
Table of content:
Backmatter:
Note from the Art Department. Inks and colors used and printing information.
This also includes where it was printed, the designers and the type of paper used.
[Pagemarker]
Index:
In this index, (one column) we can see how it is organized in alphabetical order, and it shows the page where each piece of information can be found. All the footnotes in the book refer back to this index.
Price [on amazon]:
$ 17.54
Rating:
This book was written in English and published in December 2018. It has a beautiful blue fabric hardcover. The color combinations chosen by the art department provide a subtle but powerful way of showcasing important details while preserving the essential information and content.
Good Economics for Hard Times
Good Economics for Hard Times by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo challenges common economic myths and argues for evidence-based policies to tackle issues like inequality, immigration, trade, and climate change. It emphasizes empathy, nuance, and data-driven solutions.
Typeface:
12 point Granjon, a classic serif typeface based on 16th-century, similar to Garamond. It’s elegant, readable, and often used in books and formal publications.
Trim Size:
Page Count:
6.4 x 1.6 x 9.55 Inches 432 1 Colum
Page structure and grid:
Paragraph cut Page number
1.[Footnote]
New paragraph name
6.4 in
9.5 in
Binding:
Perfect binding
Soft cover
Color usage
[For text]
Cover color pallete
The copyright page contains key legal and publication details about the book. It usually includes the copyright notice, year of publication, author and publisher information, printing history, ISBN, and sometimes credits for design, editing, or typesetting. This page ensures proper attribution and protects the intellectual property rights of the creators!
Copyright/Publication page
Book’s dedication
Table of content:
Backmatter:
Information about the publisher, PublicAffairs. In this back matter, we can see how the publisher took the opportunity to dedicate a page to sharing their history, contact information, and logo. They provided space to highlight their work with important figures and the significant impact they’ve had in the publishing world.
Publisher Logo
Index:
This index is called NOTES TO CHAPTER, a one column, where the notes are listed in numerical order. They are very concise and include their own citations. These notes appear at the end of each chapter and correspond to the references presented within that chapter.
Price [on amazon]:
$ 14.32
Rating:
This book was written in English and published in November 2019. It has an eggshell-type cover. It is very academic and contains no images. The color combinations chosen for the cover create a sense of two different directions the book may take you. It’s interesting to see how a cover can hold so much meaning for a book about economics.
Chip war
Chip War by Chris Miller explains how semiconductors became the world’s most critical technology, driving global power struggles between nations like the U.S. and China. It shows how control over chips shapes the future of economies, warfare, and innovation.
Typeface:
On the front and back covers, we can see how a very clean sans-serif typeface is used to present important facts about the book. However, inside the book, a serif typeface is used—thin, clear, legible, and well-organized for reading.
Trim Size:
6 x 1.5 x 9 Inches
Binding:
Perfect binding
Hard cover
Color usage
[For text]
Cover color pallete
[Diferent type of paper for the images]
Image Placement
Table of content:
Different type of page number
This copyright page contains key legal and publication details about the book. It includes the copyright notice, year of publication, author and publisher information, printing history, ISBN, and some important information about the publisher. This page ensures proper attribution and protects the intellectual property rights of the creators!
Copyright/Publication page
Book’s dedication
Index:
In this two column index, we can see how it is organized in numerical order, and it shows the page where each piece of information can be found. All the footnotes in the book refer back to this index.
Price [on amazon]:
$ 20.50
Rating:
This book was written in English and published in October 2022. It is a recently written book that addresses current and ongoing global issues.
The cover is beautifully designed, with typography and icons that convey the sense that this book contains powerful and crucial information for today’s economy.
978-1982172008
The passion economy
The Passion Economy by Adam Davidson shows how people can succeed by turning their unique passions into specialized, meaningful work. It highlights how today’s economy rewards authenticity and niche expertise over mass-market strategies.
Typeface:
In the cover we can see a bold san serif typeface. However, on the inside of the book we can see a Janson typeface. Janson is a classic serif typeface based on 17th-century Dutch designs. It’s known for its strong contrast, sharp serifs, and elegant readability—often used in books and formal publications.
Trim Size:
Page Count:
5.92 x 1.4 x 9.51 Inches 336 1 Colum
Page structure and grid:
5.92 in 9.51 in
Binding:
Perfect binding
Hard cover
Color usage
[For text]
Cover color pallete
This copyright page contains key legal and publication details about this book. It includes the copyright notice, some information regarding editions and printing history, ISBN, and some important information about the publisher. This page ensures proper attribution and protects the intellectual property rights of the creators!
Copyright/Publication page
[Page marker]
Book’s dedication
Table of content:
Backmatter:
A note from the design department discusses the typeface chosen for this book, its history, and its creator. This is a particularly interesting detail to find in an economics book. The back matter also includes information about the printing process and the book’s designer.
Index:
This index is organzied in a two column and in aplhabetical order. However, on each of the items listed, it reference the pages where this information can be found. Sometimes this system can be easier to read.
Price [on amazon]:
$ 7.57
Rating:
This book was written in English and published in January 2020. The cover is a well-designed creation, with two colors that work very well together. At the same time, the book has a different layout than what we usually see in non-design-related books. The content (according to my boyfriend) is not as impactful as that of the other books, but its cover and design definitely caught my eye!
ISBN-13 978-0385353526
Why nations fail
Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson argues that the key to a nation’s success lies in its political and economic institutions. Inclusive institutions—those that provide fairness, opportunity, and protection—lead to prosperity, while extractive institutions—those that concentrate power and wealth— cause poverty and failure. The book uses historical and global examples to support this theory.
Typeface:
The cover features a bold, all-caps sans-serif typeface that makes a strong visual statement. Inside, the book uses a classic serif font, sized around 11 points with standard line spacing. It’s clear, easy to read, and well-suited for body text—striking a balance between a formal feel and an engaging reading experience.
Trim Size:
6.62 x 1.69 x 9.53 Inches
Page Count:
544
Page structure and grid:
Chapter number
Chapter Name
1 Colum
Image Image footnote Indent
1.[Footnote]
6.62 in
9.53 in
Binding:
Perfect binding soft cover
Color usage
[For text]
Cover color pallete
Image Placement
[Diferent type of paper for the images]
Table of content:
Index:
In this index, (two column) we can see how it is organized in alphabetical order, and it shows the page where each piece of information can be found. All the footnotes in the book refer back to this index.
Price [on amazon]:
$ 19.24
Rating:
This book was written in English and published in March 2012. Of the five books, this is my boyfriend’s favorite. The cover is thin and soft, with bold lettering on the front and sans-serif type inside. It’s very simple, yet it creates a clean interaction between legibility and design. The images and icons also work very well with the typography, making it an interesting book to both look at and read!
