From year to year, the nature of the submitted books is surprisingly similar and several elements are recurring. What works and is well-proven, it simply works. But here there is also always the wayward and an experimentation with new techniques and formats.
Open spines are recurring every year among the submitted books. But in the 2023 entry there were also unusually many examples of Swiss binding, both on hard and soft bindings. This binding means that the insert is attached only to the back cover, while the spine and front cover are left completely loose so that the cover comes loose when the book is opened. The back is then exposed as an open back where the wire binding is visible, but it can also be covered with a cover. With the Swiss binding, the open spine is hidden and protected when the book is closed. However, the positive effect of the open back remains. The book falls open easily and can be opened without the contents disappearing into the margin towards the spine.
In terms of size, the small formats stand out among this year's selected books, and the gap between the largest books and the smallest is clearer than in previous years. Something that goes in line with this is a desire to examine the various external boundaries of the book: for example through punched or drilled cavities in the book, covers with flaps, front and back pages that can be folded out, as well as fold-out flaps inside the publications. The folding also reappears in dust jackets, intended to be folded out into posters, as well as loose folded posters inside the book. Narrow outer margins and large fonts are also common.
Among the 25 selected books, it is easier to highlight what distinguishes the individual books than to see clear common trends, since the purpose of the selection is also that they should represent different examples of exemplary productions.
About the selection process
A jury consisting of participants who are active in graphic design, publishing, printing, bookbinding, illustration and photography selects 25 books that meet the requirements for design, typographic execution, function, durability, degree of innovation and communication. The jury rewards the good everyday book as well as the innovative expressions.
