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THE FINEST FINNISH BOOKS 2006 CHOSEN 'Staden - Kaupunki' by Mr Bo Carpelan and Mr Pentti Sammallahti was chosen to be the Book of the Year 2006. Finnish Book Arts Committee raised sixteen other books into the selection of the Finest Finnish books. Most of them are non-fiction books.When evaluating the books, The Finnish Book Arts Committee has considered typography, materials, technical realization, lay-out and the balance between contents and design. 238 books published in 2006 were sent in to the committee. Almost half of them were non-fiction books and the rest fiction, children’s books and text books. The books were sent in by 54 publishers. In addition to general publishing companies, about 20 minor or special publishers, as well as museums, foundations, companies and societies contributed. There is evidently a wide interest, one could even say desire, to execute book projects in which contents, design and technical realization are in balance and reach high quality. Yet, surprisingly many books sent in showed imperfections, even negligence. Some books of otherwise high quality lacked in design. The dialogue between graphic designers and others doesn’t always seem to work. Sensory impressions could be valued more, paper and cardboard could be fingered and fonts savoured. Several works have, however, contrived to unite contents and design. Book of the year: a little big book! The jury selected 'Staden - Kaupunki' by Pentti Sammallahti and Bo Carpelan the book of the year by common consent. Sammallahti’s photographs of Helsinki unite with Carpelans words into a solid whole. Sophisticated typography and photographs are in harmony. A little big book! The book jacket and binding were designed by Pentti Sammallahti. He has also planned the graphics together with Martti Lundström. In addition to this, sixteen other books were selected into the collection of the finest books of the year. There are two children’s books, 'Revontulilumi' by Riitta Jalonen and 'Lehmä, jonka kyljessä oli luukku' by Tomi Kontio. These are both good examples of seamless co-operation of authors, illustrators and lay-out people. Fiction is represented by Arto Melleri’s 'Runot', in which the very exterior of the book reflects the characteristics of the poet. Exceptionally and a bit surprisingly too, two of the awarded books were academic dissertations, 'Nanookin jälki' by Susanna Helke and 'Muotoilija ja toinen' by Helena Leppänen. Their exteriors are strictly modern and typographies readable. Two books published by museums, 'Ars06' by Kiasma and 'The Quiets' by Timo Kelaranta of EMMA are delicacies of book design. 'Maan Valoa', an author’s edition by Marjukka Vainio is a poetic photography book, elite of art books, means the jury. In addition to these, eight other non-fiction books were awarded. Seven books were honoured with certificates for the best book jackets. The Finnish Book Arts Committee has chosen the finest Finnish books for over sixty years now. The committee functions within the Finnish Book Foundation. The committee and the evaluation work are participated by more than ten societies and institutions in the book branch and graphic design. Ms Tuula Isoniemi, Chair of the Finnish Book Arts Committee, Press photos - download here (Zip-file) |
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