If someone asked you why you love ink on paper, the best response would be to say nothing and hand him this breathtaking book of portraits by famed photographer Sandro. It is explanation far better than words because it elicits the kind of powerful experience and deep emotion that only print can.
Dramatic, large-format photographs of the people of Morocco (from bankers and philosophers to bakers and shepherds) are reproduced as quadtones by Blanchette Press with immense depth and tonal range on Sappi Opus. Each captures the decisive moment between photographer and sitter that ultimately connects the viewer to a greater story.
Designed by Greg Samata, the book also stands out for its distinctive binding. French folded pages received a Swiss binding treatment. Here, the text block is perfect bound with a strip of binding tape and attached to the inside back cover’s end paper. The end paper, printed with the image of textured fabric is adhered to two separate heavyweight card panels that leave the spine exposed. The same fabric image is printed and applied to the card panels that comprise the front and back covers.
The telltale sign of the Swiss binding is that the front cover of the tape-bound text block is completely detached from the front heavyweight card panel; the strip of decorative tape is visible on the face and spine edge of the text block. Thus, the final product is able to open and lay flat.
