Good Grief, More Bibliochic: High-Design Texts Or “Trophy Tomes”

As well as interior designers using books as objects of décor,

Publishers are also producing trophy tomes. These luxury limited editions are often massive, invariably encased in special boxes and bags, bedizened with baubles and dreamed up by high-profile fashion designers, architects and artists.

Last year, Penguin released a series of five Designer Classics to celebrate its diamond anniversary in Britain. Designers such as Paul Smith and Manolo Blahnik were invited to embellish their favourite Penguins. The limited editions of 1000 cost 100 [pounds each] – and sold out.

Mr. Smith’s version of Lady Chatterley’s Lover features a white silk slipcover, and lovingly embroidered floral pubic hair. Mr. Blahnik’s cover for Madam Bovary
is a sketched confection of frothy peignoir, fabulous footwear and a pair of groping hands reaching around the spine to goose Emma’s pert derriere.

The remainder of this readable article by Laura Penny and entitled “Guttenberg [sic] Goes Glam” may be found here.

(From Richard Hopkins)