An interesting coincidence this week – or was it? On Wednesday, thanks to Twitter I picked up an interesting post on Vanessa Gebbie’s blog about the visual impact of fiction, i.e. how layout and typography influence our perception (and enjoyment) of what we read. This works at different levels, from the appearance of the page – ratio of white space, style and character of the typeface – to the detail of punctuation and spelling conventions, all of which define the character of the text. For instance, although I tend to dislike how some authors (or their publishers) dispense with dialogue tags and use dashes rather than speechmarks (because I think very few writers can sustain dialogue like this without making it harder for the reader), I can’t deny that such books wouldn’t be the same if laid out more conventionally. The visual effect is somehow germane to the character of the book.
Next part in the equation was the arrival of my copy of Nik Perring’s short story collection Not So Perfect. I won’t deny my immediate reaction was surprise – a very small book indeed! But handy for reading on my twice- weekly bus trips, so into the handbag it went. But it was only on the second outing that I realised the genius of the format, which is not its portability, but in the way it reflects and enhances these stories, some of them flash, some a little longer, but all of them snappy and arresting. Just to clarify, each story has a full title page on the right hand side (recto) accompanied by a line drawing. The following page is blank, and the text starts on the next right hand page. This has the effect of making the reader pause to take in the statement made by the title page and to appreciate its artistry before delving into the text. I particularly like when a story finishes on the right hand page, leaving blank the verso before the next title page. The shorter the fiction, the more important it it so take time reading it. And so in practical terms, the more white space between pieces, the better. The small page format is just right for the length of the stories and presumably makes the space an economic possibility. A much better choice than bigger pages with more text on each.
And finally …. I don’t have a Kindle or other e-reader (yet), but assume that at least for the moment all books are reduced (or expanded) to a similar screen size. If so, that’s a shame. Or maybe just a timely reminder of the infinite variety of printed books and why this design classic has endured for so long.
Ali Bacon / Books and Other Things 
Hmm. Interesting post, Alison. Hadn’t given much thought to the visual impact of reading fiction before.
I’ve recently taken the plunge and bought a Kindle. I resisted for a long time, but I’m finding the experience very satisfying. The format of the books I’ve read so far are the same, although Kindle gives the option of reducing/expanding font sizes, etc.
Reading a print book is still my preference, perhaps in no small way due to the variety of the medium.
Tricia
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That’s an interesting point. When I was involved in a Heritage Lottery funded project we produced a book and I became involved in planning meetings with the book design team. This was a whole new fascinating world to me. I’d never have considered such things as the use of white space before. I’d only ever sent off typed pages of A4 and now I was being asked to create the whole reading experience.
I too am hoping to get a Kindle soon so I can’t comment about that yet but I guess it must be excellent for anyone with a visual disability. I don’t suppose they smell of paper. I do love the smell of paper.
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Thanks for the mention, Ali!
I’m thrilled you like the format so much – I think it’s rather clever too!
Nik
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Hi Tricia, Ros and Nik
I had a brief liaison with a Sony e-reader a couple of years ago and to my surprise was instantly won over. I now lust after a Kindle (especially as most of my friends now have one!) and in general don’t feel I would miss the physical aspects of the mass market perfect-bound paperback novel (which falls apart and is not that easy to read in bed). But Nik’s short stories remind me it doesn’t have to be like this. Some books are produced with thought and care and are a pleasure to handle (as well as smell!) I’m sure they’ll continue to be produced despite the rush to e-platforms, although maybe for more limited markets.
AliB
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Thanks again Ali!
I have a Kindle and am a fan (it’s not perfect but it is good). The ‘pages’ are smaller than the average PB but that doesn’t seem to make any difference to the reading experience, generally.
I don’t see eReaders as replacements for physical books – it’s just a different way to enjoy them and there’s nothing wrong with that at all, I reckon.
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