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Art of McSweeney's
A selection of cutting-edge illustrations from cult US publisher, this title presents behind the scenes insights into creative process at McSweeney's.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2010
About the author
McSweeney's Publishing
25 books67 followersMcSweeney's Publishing is an American non-profit publishing house founded by editor Dave Eggers in 1998, headquartered in San Francisco. McSweeney's initially published only the literary journal
Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern
, but has grown to publish novels, books of poetry, and other periodicals.
The recipient of dozens of awards for its contributions to literature and publishing, McSweeney's was named the country's seventh most innovative media company for 2012, just behind Reddit, "for proving the value of print publishing."
The recipient of dozens of awards for its contributions to literature and publishing, McSweeney's was named the country's seventh most innovative media company for 2012, just behind Reddit, "for proving the value of print publishing."
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 31, 2015
McSweeney's is a San Francisco-based publishing house that creates, shall we say, unique publications. Their approach is very independent with a deep pride in the printed book.
It should be noted that no one at McSweeney's has any formal training in book design or production. Pretty much everyone in our small company was first a volunteer or intern, and everyone considers themselves a perpetual student of the craft.
This book explores the various covers of the McSweeney books, some of which are (that word again) unique. In an age when the cheapest paper and materials are used, Dave Eggers and his crew aim for boxes, leatherette casewraps, and foil stamping, inspired by the colourful bookcovers from the earlier days of the nineteenth century.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about publishing, not just the art but also the words. Each McSweeney's publication is detailed by the initial idea, the process, the mistakes, and the final result. Illuminating.
Amidst this cornucopia of artwork is the story of the Immortal Fly, who decides to fly into the mouth of an unaware human in order to end his despair of watching his friends and family die, leaving him lonely and despairing.
Whimsical is as Whimsical does.
Book Season = Year Round (keep the mouth closed)
It should be noted that no one at McSweeney's has any formal training in book design or production. Pretty much everyone in our small company was first a volunteer or intern, and everyone considers themselves a perpetual student of the craft.
This book explores the various covers of the McSweeney books, some of which are (that word again) unique. In an age when the cheapest paper and materials are used, Dave Eggers and his crew aim for boxes, leatherette casewraps, and foil stamping, inspired by the colourful bookcovers from the earlier days of the nineteenth century.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about publishing, not just the art but also the words. Each McSweeney's publication is detailed by the initial idea, the process, the mistakes, and the final result. Illuminating.
Amidst this cornucopia of artwork is the story of the Immortal Fly, who decides to fly into the mouth of an unaware human in order to end his despair of watching his friends and family die, leaving him lonely and despairing.
Whimsical is as Whimsical does.
Book Season = Year Round (keep the mouth closed)
June 1, 2015
McSweeney’s is a strange literary zine with extremely bizarre articles and graphics. An interesting skim, but not a keeper.
April 28, 2014
scrappy and idealistic. the book interests me most from the biz angle. I only have one MCSW, but I'm aware and obsessed with Dave's works.
they make things happen from nothing: sharing the obscure faces of writing with the world. it's inspiring to see a small team so focused on a passion dive into publishing. each issue, each cover, each set of stories are amazingly unique. things are not skimped if they obstruct the goal. if more ink is needed for the design to work, more will be bought and used.
I also connected with it because dave is a designer, and they value the design heavily, not because it's something they're snoody about, but because it's inherently tied to each piece. their collaboration is also inspiring. encouraging interns ideas yet holding a high, universal standard.
they make things happen from nothing: sharing the obscure faces of writing with the world. it's inspiring to see a small team so focused on a passion dive into publishing. each issue, each cover, each set of stories are amazingly unique. things are not skimped if they obstruct the goal. if more ink is needed for the design to work, more will be bought and used.
I also connected with it because dave is a designer, and they value the design heavily, not because it's something they're snoody about, but because it's inherently tied to each piece. their collaboration is also inspiring. encouraging interns ideas yet holding a high, universal standard.
January 25, 2013
This book is an oral history of the first 11 years of McSweeney's. It's fascinating and funny, somewhat inspiring. There are also a lot of remaindered copies around so you should be able to find it very cheap. The book opens with Eggers' four-page email to get writers to submit to the first issue. In that email he makes a comment, seemingly a joke, "If we're not careful, we might make publishing history!" And they did, right? In the last fifteen years, McSweeney's has again and again made a case for physical, beautiful books while other publishers move as fast as they can towards digital.
August 30, 2010
I've always been fascinated and inspired by the McSweeney's publications, and this book's oral history format is wonderfully entertaining and illuminating. What could have been just a glorified picture book is also a compelling historical narrative that makes me want to go back to the actual issues and discover all the little details and literature I missed.
October 12, 2010
This was hands down the best design book I've purchased in years. So inspirational. I read it cover to cover and I think I might read it again. It's not so much the art, which obviously is phenomenal, it's the anecdotal commentary that make it indispensable. I particularly enjoyed the publishing tips. Get this book.
August 19, 2010
stuck true to it's title and is mostly about the design and making of books. And McSweeney's has made some really interesting ones. Inspirational for designers and print managers. Even includes a list of printing costs! :-)
December 26, 2010
This is a great book for fans of McSweeney's, publishers, writers, book designers, or people who just love to delve into the creative process. This book will help inspire creativity- be it literary or design.
February 18, 2011
Gorgeous. Insightful. Inspiring. Full of process and shop-talk details you never hear about even in the glossy design mags. Highly recommended for anyone interested in design.
August 17, 2011
"Nothing is impossible when you work for the circus."
July 4, 2012
Ok, so I PERUSED this book, but it is hefty and lovely, and I will peruse and peruse as the moments strike.
August 27, 2012
Gracias, Jan de la Rosa
May 18, 2013
A literary coffeetable book that showcases the painstakingly-detailed book jackets and production processes from one of today's most innovative publishers.
June 11, 2014
I love love love McSweeney's and have since almost the beginning! This is a great oral history.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews