The Most Beautiful Swiss Books 2009

“The Future Issue” is how the Swiss call their documentation of the 30 most beautiful national books; and they confidently place it midst iPad, Kindle, apps and downloads. Because beautiful books can rival with all kinds of e-media and secure a place in the readers’ hands and hearts – in contrast maybe, to carelessly produced printing objects. But those would never make it into the final round of the competition. The jury, chaired by Cornel Windlin, went through over 400 titles. And the bar is set high in Switzerland. Quality is not enough, they look for individuality and innovation as attitudes to secure the book’s future. And to win. Swiss quality...

sustains international comparison. So “Walking through Baghdad with a Buster Keaton Face (edition fink 2009)” was not only appreciated in its home country but was also rewarded gold in the international competition of the most beautiful books. Its position between art book, monograph and gesamtkunstwerk is trend-setting. The Swiss title “Die Stimme der Natur” (Voice of Nature) (Kontrast Verlag) was also awarded silver. Reason enough to engage yourself with the future of books and the Future Issue.