Privacy
Garret Keizer
Keizer’s approach to the topic of privacy is more philosophical than policy: you won’t find solutions to the problems of data mining or warrantless wiretaps within, but you will be prompted to think hard about privacy and its many contexts.
Making decisions
On The Chairs Are Where the People Go
The Chairs Are Where the People Go
Misha Glouberman & Sheila Heti
A unique collaboration between Misha Glouberman—a performer and artist—and his friend—the writer Sheila Heti—results in this charming and instructive collection of parables.
Which leads me to chimpanzees
On In the Blink of an Eye & The Shape of Design
Cuts do work
On In the Blink of an Eye
In the Blink of an Eye
Walter Murch
Murch’s brief collection of essays (they were originally lectures) was first published in 1995, and refreshed in 2001 with new attention to digital editing.
Editorially
Introducing Editorially
Why?
On What Is Reading For?
What Is Reading For?
Robert Bringhurst
Bringhurst’s small pamphlets (always lovingly designed and printed) are among my favorite things. This one is, unsurprisingly, a full-throated defense of the book.
Drafts
On The Library at Night
Original genius
On Writing Machines
Writing Machines
N. Katherine Hayles
This short book, a collaboration between literary critic Katherine Hayles and designer Anne Burdick, has a lot not to like. But even ten years after publication, the book’s exploration of the material nature of writing is interesting and as yet incomplete.
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
Deb Perelman
I’ve been a fan of Smitten Kitchen for years, so it’s delightful to see her recipes and photography pulled together into such a lovely package. Perelman’s style is enthusiastic and never fussy; the recipes are simple but attentive to just the right details.
Releases energy
On Max Perkins
Call and response
On The Shape of Design
Max Perkins
A. Scott Berg
Perkins was, as the title suggests, the editor of many geniuses—notably, Fitzgerald, Wolfe, and Hemingway. Berg’s biography delves into his personal life, but I think the book is most compelling for its insight into Perkins’ working relationship with his authors.
The Shape of Design
Frank Chimero
Chimero’s meditation on design is thoughtful and lovely, a welcome refresher from the more logistical ethos that has been ascendent in recent years.
Angelmaker
Nick Harkaway
Perhaps my favorite novel in recent years. Part noir, part old-school Bond thriller, part apocalyptic science fiction tale, and completely magnificent.
Content Strategy for Mobile
Karen McGrane
The eighth book in the now very successful A Book Apart series reflects back on previous titles while also looking ahead. Mobile best practices meets content strategy head on, in a short book that’s packed with good advice.