Archive II: Circular Library

Dig the Archive II! A circular library for the nomad book collector, allowing the user to step inside, and walk away with half a ton of books. Kindle Schmindle - this is brilliant!

From the site:

The Archive Series are investigations on space and books. Its departure point is density and micro spaces, and a series of traditional relationships that humans have to books. Private collections have existed for centuries, but when this is added to nomadic behaviour, curious contradictions arise; this is the area studied by Archive II.

How can an individual travel with it’s own library, given that books are so heavy? This is something we can all relate to when moving house. Archive II is a nomadic library, a transport system and an intimate space. Inspired by ancient travelling libraries from the Far East, which visited courts and cities, Archive II transforms this into a personal space, where walking and reading coexist as refuge and transport.

And yes, this is real and you can have your very own Archive II from the David Garcia Studio.

That's Right,

HMK

Thanks to the smart green thinking folks at Inhabitat.

McNally Jackson Cafe

Wow, really digging the thinking, simplicity and use of materials New York based Front Studio combined for the design and renovation of the McNally Jackson Cafe, part of the McNally Jackson Bookstore in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood.


I'm especially loving the folding single tables running along the wall ingeniously designed and crafted to resemble a folded book when closed.

Outstanding execution! Enjoy: McNally Jackson Cafe.

That's Right,

HMK

Thanks to the smart folks over at The Contemporist.

Long Live Books!

There's been a lot of discussion lately about the demise of the printed word on paper. But deep down, I don't believe for a minute that books, magazines and newspapers will ever really completely disappear. Reissues, collections and box-sets of everything from vintage newspaper comic strips, back issues of old magazines and newspapers will always be in demand in both digital and tangible form. In the same way that TV never eradicated radio, books and coveted first edition hardbacks will remain as the definitive "proof of purchase" for collectors and purists alike.

I mean really, can you imagine meeting one of your favorite author's after a reading and asking them to sign your Kindle?

With that said, long live books! Long Live Books is a small Minnesota studio that produces hand-crafted BOOKS that serve as both protection for your laptop or iPad as well as a tried and true old-school, anti theft disguise.

According to the site: Every exterior detail of BOOK has been considered, from the linen book cloth to the decorative book headbands for an effect that provides bibliophiles with tangible protection for their electronic information. On the inside, a tailored 100% wool felt sleeve provides a snug fit for your device when BOOK is closed with the integrated velcro edge. The natural German felt is a sustainable and renewable material that has an innate durability and timelessness.

BOOK is a secure sleeve combined simply and elegantly with a hard case to provide double protection for your laptop or iPad.

Keep reading and Long Live Books!

That's Right,

HMK

Thanks to the smart folks at iLounge.

The Velvet Underground: A New York Art

New from Rizzoli books, The Velvet Underground: A New York Art (edited by Johan Kugelberg) collects together a wealth of early photography of the band, alongside a wonderful archive of posters and flyers.


The Velvet Underground's association with Andy Warhol is well documented; perhaps what is less well known is the art that was actually made to promote the band's gigs and albums during the mid-to-late 60s. A new book documents the rise of their decidedly New York art.

More from the good folks over at: Creative Review UK.

That's Right,

HMK

A Journey Across the Dial

Con men, crooners, controversialists. Nope, this is not just another post about Bail Out greed...

Ladies & Gentlemen, welcome to the story of American radio - Anthony Rudel's "Hello, Everybody!"

I got mine - go get yours! "Hello, Everybody!".

That's Right,

HMK

Welo Hand-Lettered Studio Handbook

I'm totally digging this 1927 edition of Studio Handbook by Samuel Welo, 233 pages of beautiful type and timeless design advice. Only this book comes with a twist – every page was hand-lettered by Welo.

Mucho Mas: The Best Type Book with No Typesetting.

That's Right,

HMK

Thanks to Gene Gable and the smart folks over at Creative Pro.

Smart Stairs

If you're like me, and you've got way to many books, reference and ephemeral materials, you just gotta love this smart storage solution.

More info over at Levitate.

That's Right,

HMK

Thanks to Core 77 and Design Milk.

Gallery of Book Trade Labels

Ahhh. Fresh coffee and two of my favorite things: Books and design with typography. Enjoy this great little collection of Book Trade Labels from publishers, printers, binders, importers, distributors and sellers of books new, second-hand and antiquarian.

Above: O. Henry Book Store, San Antonio, Texas, Bean's Stationery and News Depot, Bangor, Maine and E. Broekhuis & Zonen Boek & Kunsthandel, Boekbinderij
Hengelo [Overijssel], Netherlands.

All courtesy of Greg Kindall's Seven Roads

That's Right,

HMK

Hip Options for the Armchair Traveler

I'm always a sucker for a hip chair like the Bibliochaise I featured back in August.

The above shot is another variation, the Bookinist, designed by Nils Holger Moormann complete with a wheel to move around and take advantage of the right light. Go to the site and you can check out the smart hidden compartments under the armrest.

There's something exciting and mysterious about the Time Machine/Library look of these creations that, for me any way, seem to reinforce and enhance the notion of escapism that comes with reading a good book.


This chair is an in-progress shot from industrious That's Right reader and teacher Shaun who just completed his very own Bibliochaise for his classroom. You can view the finished project and then some over here.

Thanks for sharing Shaun.

That's Right,

HMK

La Bibliochaise

Man, I really, really want these chairs.

La Bibliochaise comes veneered in oak tinted wengé or black, with a wax finish and leather cushions with removable covers in a wide range of colours.

Holds 5 metres, or about 16 feet of books.

Have a great weekend!

That's Right,

HMK

Hand Job

I just ordered my copy of designer and fellow type freak Mike Perry's new book Hand Job - a catalog of type.

Check It out Here.

That's Right,

HMK


PUBLISHED BY PRINCETON ARCHITECTURAL PRESS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.

New Directions Book Covers

I have to agree with Hollis Duncan and Michael Beirut, the Alvin Lustig archive is truly one of the best on the web.

Do yourself a favor - take a little creative side trip and check out their awesome collection of New Directions book covers.

That's Right,

HMK