A Field Book of the Stars

by William Tyler Olcott

designed by Maria Burns

I was initially drawn to A Field Book of the Stars due to my personal interest in astronomy. As I explored the text, I realized how much of the information is still pertinent today. Although written over one hundred years ago, A Field Book of the Stars is still a usable reference book to the skies of the northern hemisphere. To pay homage to this enduring astronomical knowledge, my design draws inspiration from the era of the book’s original publication date of 1907. I focused on the typography, colors, materials, and processes of the art nouveau era, which led me to create a cloth-bound, photography-free, jacket-less volume. I ensured that any elements I added (such as the quotation on the back cover and the chapter opener illustrations) existed at the time of the book’s first publication to lend verisimilitude.

Details

Original Publication Date

1907 

Target Audience

Adults interested in space and astronomy that aren’t scientists. Lovers of antiques, history, books, and (of course) the stars.

Trim Size

5 × 7"

Text

9/12 Baskerville × 21p0

Specifications

Cloth bound, metallic foil, deboss (no dye) 

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