The best designed Estonian books chosen

04.02.2013

Every year the expert judges comb through a big part of our yearly production of books to find the most beautiful ones in the traditional book design competitions “25 Best Designed Books in Estonia” and “5 Best Designed Children's books in Estonia”. 168 books from 77 publishers entered the competition of 25 best designed books this year; 49 books from 22 publishers contested for the title of best designed children's book.

“The books assessed in 2012 were evenly good, the percentage of defective designs decreases every year. It is a delight that good handicraft is taking root, but there were only a few outstanding books that introduce new trends in design,” commented Dan Mikkin from the Estonian Graphic Designers’ Union, chairman of the jury of the 25 best designed books.

“Integrity is assessed in children's books and the level of illustrations is the most important aspect. All the chosen books are beautiful, representing different styles and the distinctiveness of the illustrators. In addition to renowned illustrators, many new ones with enjoyable début books were chosen,” says Piret Niinepuu-Kiik, chairwoman of the jury of the 5 best designed children's books.

An exhibition of the most popular books of the Estonian Publishers' Association from 2012 and the best designed Finnish books of 2011, here thanks to the Finnish Institute, is on display with the best designed Estonian books of 2012 in the Main Exhibition Hall of the National Library of Estonia. The exhibition is open until 28 February.

The first competition of the most beautiful books took place in the middle of the last century, selecting the 25 books with the best artistic design and typography published by the Estonian National Publishing House from 1956 to 1957. This was organised by the Estonian Scientific-Technological Association of Typography and Publishers.

Since 1999 the competitions of the best designed books are organised by the Estonian Graphic Designer's Union, the National Library of Estonia and the Estonian Publishers' Association, last year the Estonian Children's Literature Centre joined the organisers.

The competition is supported by the Estonian National Culture Foundation, the Council of Gambling Tax, Antalis, Altia Eesti, Heidelberg Baltic Finland, printing houses Pakett and Printon, the Finnish Institute and Rahva Raamat.

Additional information:
Kaidi Urmet, Estonian Publishers' Association, phone: 644 9866, kirjastusteliit at eki dot ee
Marika Kuldkepp, Public Relations Department of the National Library of Estonia, phone: 630 7271