What is the difference between pretty and ugly books? (in Polish)

Adam Twardoch
Berlin, Germany
Play (67min) Download: MP4 | MP3

If we walk into a bookshop in Berlin and Warsaw, we immediately see vast differences in the editorial quality of books that are published at the east and west side of the Oder river. German fiction books intended for everyday use present appealing covers, good typographic design, are made with good paper and binding. Analogical Polish publications look much worse. Polish publishers tend to fail at tasks even as simple as the choice of typeface and column proportions. It is a chicken–and–egg problem whether modest publication runs and small profits prevent Polish publishers from making higher–quality books or if the low æsthetic quality of the books stops the clients from buying them. One is certain: good design can sell a product. Adam Twardoch will present his manifesto, calling for taking design and typography seriously when books are made.