Layout by Gavin Ambrose and Paul Harris

Published on 23^rd March 2008 in Book reviews, Design.

I have a new resolution; to buy a design book every month. Sure, there are plenty of tutorials on the Web, but I find that books give you something extra in their tactile form.

Anyway, my first purchase is Layout, the second title in Ambrose and Harris’ Basics Design series. The 175 page book uses work by major studios to illustrate the rules of layout, primarily of print design. Some of the concepts cross over to the Web, but this is essentially a book for those interested in print publishing.

Layout goes through each topic, clearly explaining principles and backing them up with well chosen examples. You don’t have to have any prior knowledge to make the most of it, just a curiosity for how to get the most out of your pages.

I’m not sure if I would buy the entire series, but as a standalone book, Layout is a fine addition to any print designer’s library. It’s clear, concise and is a great book to have at hand when designing.