CHAP’BOOK, n. [See Chap to cheapen.]
1. Any small book carried about for sale by chapmen
or hawkers. Hence, any small book; a toy book.
2. A small book or pamphlet containing poems, ballads, stories, or religious tracts.

Set Jorge Luis Borges’ “The Library of Babel” in book form.

Requirements: The book should not exceed 16 pages, including cover. The book should not be larger than 36p x 54p. The book should not be set in more than one typeface. All text pages should be numbered. All other pages should not be numbered. A running head or foot may be included if appropriate. The book should include a title page and colophon. The cover should be purely typographic. The cover should reflect the book’s internal grid. The text should open on the right with a blank facing page. The colophon should be on the left of the final spread. The book should saddle-stitched.

Part 1: Design a sample text page for your book on tracing paper. Pay special attention to typeface selection, copyblock proportions, alignment, orientation, leading, kerning, and copyfitting. Bring multiple settings to class if necessary, along with annotations detailing your specifications.

Part 2: Using the revised sample text page as a base, flow the text you’ve selected into the book. Design an appropriate opening page based on your book grid.

Part 3: Design an appropriate title page and cover for your book. Fabricate the book.

This assignment is from the class Typography I.