THE FINNISH BOOK ARTS COMMITTEE
SUOMEN KIRJATAITEEN KOMITEA

The Finnish Book Arts Committee aims to attract attention of readers and those who participate in the various stages of book production, to books as artistic entities. When selecting the finest books of the year, the committee tries to find items in which contents and design support each other. The basis of evaluation is graphic design as a whole, beginning from typography and ending up at the printed publication. The committee values both classic printing arts and fresh new thinking.

Every year the Finnish Book Arts Committee selects The finest Finnish books. One of these books is rewarded with the title of The book of the year. There is also a category of its own for the best book jackets. Certificates are dealt out to the designers, publishers, printers and other producers of the awarded books.

The Finnish Book Arts Committee functions within the Finnish Book Foundation. The committee is chaired by Ms Tuula Isoniemi (M. A.). The secretary is Ms Seija Tuomaala (librarian secretary). Evaluation of the books and selection of the finest books is performed on a broad basis. A working committee evaluates all the books sent in and presents them to the grand jury that decides upon the selection of the best. The working committee consists of graphic designers Mr Hannu Hyrske (Kuvittajat - Illustrators in Finland), Mr Teemu Lipasti (EVTEK University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Design) and Ms Eeva Sivula (Grafia - Association of Professional Graphic Designers in Finland). In the grand jury participates several organizations and institutions in the branches of book production and graphic design, among others Bibliofiilien seura (an association for Finnish bibliophiles), National Library of Finland, Lahti University of Applied Sciences - Institute of Design, Finnish Library Association and University of Art and Design Helsinki.

The selection The finest books is put on display in libraries and at book fairs in Finland and in international exhibitions and competitions abroad. Matti Hagelberg´s comic book Kekkonen was awarded with a bronze medal in the competition "Best book design from all over the world 2006" in Frankfurt. The competition was participated by 34 countries.

The finest books of the year have been selected in the Nordic Countries from the 1940´s onwards. Several European countries and among others Canada, the United States of America, China, Egypt, Japan and Columbia choose their respective finest books.

In Finland, the finest books of the year have been selected for over 60 years already. In 1970 the designation the Distinguished Books was adopted. In 2007 The finest books of the year was re-introduced.

The finest books of the year 2008 will be announced on March 2009.