This week we have a treat. UK book designer and illustrator Nikalas Catlow is going to be sharing five of his favorite books with us. Learn more about him here. Thanks Nikalas!

The ACME Novelty Library is not just a book to read it’s also an object of great beauty. Not only is the content brilliantly written and illustrated, the cover, paper and ink is satisfying to touch and to smell. This is a book that satisfies all of the senses. Rather a large volume at 390mm high and 235mm wide, Ware has created this fantastic series of pastiche collections of comic strips that hark back to the 1930’s and 40’s heyday of comic book illustration. Ware’s story telling ability is subtle and sensitive, dealing with the mundane lives of people and their thoughts, insecurities and dashed hopes and aspirations. Everything about this book is a work of art. You can buy this book here or see original sketches of Chris Ware’s here.

© Julia Rothman 2007