Hachette New Zealand Award for
Best Non-Illustrated Book
Shortlist 2010
Designer Keely O'Shannessy
Title Mirabile Dictu by AUTHOR
Publisher Auckland University PressE
Format 230mm x 165mm, 160pp, paperback with flaps
Judges’ comments The typographically complex poems sit effortlessly on the page. Grid, type and numbers are all balanced, and the cover conveys a sombre yet transcendent tone. What sets this book apart, however, is its use of a potentially dangerous element. Several entries floundered when thin paper allowed the text on the reverse to intrude and distract. Here, this see-through effect works both visually and conceptually. It reinforces the grid, and also, in a book that is a journey, provides a subtle reminder of the past and a hint of the future.
Designer Sarah Laing (cover), Kate
Title Dead People's Music by AUTHOR
Publisher Random House (NZ)
Format 234mm x 152mm, 270pp, paperback
Judges’ comments A rare beast: a book in which the author and designer are totally in sync – because the author is one of the designers! As one might expect, the typography and lettering are wonderfully balanced and cohesive, and the quirky musical section markers animate the pages. The paper, ink and cover all contribute to a wonderfully satisfying tactile object.
Designer Spencer Levine
Title In a Word by Mark Broatch
Publisher New Holland Publishers
Format 230mm x 152mm, 192pp, paperback
Judges’ comments This book takes the normally workaday subject of a thesaurus, and complements the innovative approach of the author with gutsy headings, page numbers and section pages, whilst the more restrained type sits beautifully on the page and helps create a thoroughly useful reference book with attitude.
