The Best Dutch Book Designs 2022

33 books

A selection of poetry, art, photography, and architecture books, as well as non-fiction and children's books, made the final cut. In addition to the 33 jury-selected designs, the exhibition also presents the student jury’s pick.

Anthon Beeke

This year, the Stedelijk is adding an additional feature: a small tribute to graphic designer Anthon Beeke to mark the posthumous publication of his impressive photobook Amsterdam, Amsterdam, which was shelved for 30 years, and is part of the student jury's selection.

Rise in book sales

The jury noted that the rise in book sales during the pandemic is continuing, indicating that the physical book as a tangible creation is alive and well. The object quality and physicality of the book was central to the jury's considerations. Components such as the tactile experience, the feel of the paper, the book’s weight and size, and the coherence between the exterior and interior all played a role. The volumes chosen exhibit attention to detail in design, experimental formats, unusual effects, with sleeves and cassettes – some more convincing than others.