Book Review: Publication Design

For anyone working in editorial or publication design, Publication Design: A guide to page layout, typography, format, and style by Allen Hurlburt is a timeless resource. This book distills the principles of grid systems, typography, and imagery into clear, actionable insights that are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.

Review

Allen Hurlburt’s Publication Design is a classic resource for understanding the principles of editorial and publication layouts. Written with clarity and authority, this book breaks down how typography, imagery, and grid systems come together to create visually compelling publications. Hurlburt draws on his extensive experience to offer timeless advice, and his insights remain relevant in today’s digital-first world. If you’re working on magazines, newspapers, or even digital publications, this book will help you create designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A must-read for anyone serious about editorial design.

Details

  • Author: Allen Hurlburt
  • Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications
  • First Published: 1976
  • Recommended For: Editorial designers, graphic designers, and students of publication design.
  • Additional Details:
    This book was originally published in the 1970s, and while some examples reflect its era, the principles are timeless. Look for newer editions or reprints if possible.

Where to Buy

Check the publisher site Oak Knoll Press, Archive.org, vintage bookshops, AbeBooks, or find a copy through Amazon. Depending on availability, it may also be found in second-hand bookstores or through specialty retailers that focus on design books.

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.