Book By Its Cover

9.28.12
The Where, the Why and the How and a note about this blog

Hi Friends,
Last night a friend asked me about this blog and whether I will continue it since I haven’t posted for so long. The truth is that I don’t know. I really want to but I can’t find the time to do it. I’ve considered getting an intern… but it’s a little bit hard when you work from home to have someone sitting in your kitchen. I’ve also thought about changing the site to have more user-generated content (books reviews with images that readers submit and I would approve the good ones which get automatically posted). I also thought maybe just a twitter feed with one image on the best books would be enough. If you have any ideas or preference please leave a comment.

Just because I haven’t been writing about all the great books out there, doesn’t mean I haven’t been coveting them. Thanks so much for continuing to send your work and recommending good finds. But until I start this blog up again, you might want to hold off on sending me anything too precious. This weekend is the NY Art Book Fair that is worth a trip to PS1 to check out.

I have continued to make books as well and wanted to at least mention our newest here. My ALSO partners and I are about to release a book we worked on with Chronicle Books called The Where, the Why and the How: 75 Artists Illustrate Wondrous Mysteries of Science. The book has 75 essays by real working scientists (physicists, anthropologists, psychologists, meteorologists, doctors…) who explore unproven questions in science. They explain the theories behind mysteries like: What came before the big bang? Why do we blush? Can cells talk to each other? What is dark matter? Why do pigeons bob their heads when they walk? and also sorts of other interesting questions about our universe, the Earth, animals and humans. Then we gave those essays to illustrators, fine artists, designers and cartoonists to create their own visual representation of the answer. We are so excited by the outcome — fascinating text and gorgeous artwork. We are so thankful to all the scientists and artists who contributed to the project. Next week well officially launch the book with a video trailer but I wanted to give you a little peek here first.

We are having a book launch party on October 11th and we hope you can make it. There will 6 talks by 3 artists and 3 scientists. Jennifer Daniel, Matt Leines and Josh Cochran will talk about their current illustration, design and artwork. Meehan Crist will talk about her research on traumatic brain injuries. My sister Jessica Rothman (!!!) will talk about what she’s discovered studying primates in Uganda, and Tim Requarth will discuss his research on the brains of electric fish.

I attached the invite below and the preview of the book underneath:
postcard

Artwork below by Dan Funderburgh (endpages), Camilla Engman, Aaron Meshon, James Ulmer, Gilbert Ford, Jon Klassen, John Hendrix and Lauren Nassef:

 
21 Comments
09/28/12  11:58am
Saskia wrote

Those wonderful book projects are the best excuse for not blogging ;) Though I hope you go on with your blog either way. Your site was always a great inspiration for me over the years.


09/28/12  12:02pm
Bebe wrote

Nice to here from you Julia! as for the blog, why not gather few people that would like to write posts for the blog (one a moth or so each), that you will just approve. Some kind of “guest posts” I suppose. I’m writing for Polish Children Books Magazine on such a basis and it works very well. I keep my fingers crossed anyway, because this space is great and very much needed!!! p.s. If you would be interested in stuff from this part of the world, I would love to join.


09/28/12  8:54pm
kara marie riley wrote

Hi Julia,
I have been reading this blog for years, I have loved it so much. I think that it would be a good idea to have people do guest posts, I know I would love to do one! It would be so sad not to continue with this great site, its literally been my go to source for inspiration when I am drawing.

:) :) :)

Kara


09/29/12  2:44am
clare wrote

I have your link on my blog and was delighted to see you posting again.
Oh my, I love the concept of the new book!! Wish I could come to the opening but I am here in Australia…
I understand how busy your life is but I, along with many others would sorely miss everything about your blog. I agree the idea of guest bloggers might be an alternative. They could interview their fave authors.
Thanks for your blog!! Clare.


10/1/12  8:05am
Troup wrote

Having some images of the book and where to get it would be enough for me. If I want to know more about the book where to buy it should have a short write up.

Keep making great books.


10/1/12  9:13am
Petra wrote

Hallihallo, Julia! Great, that you’re here again!
I do hope that your blog will go on! It just has to! There’s nothing really comparable …!
Perhaps you will find more time in the future, who knows, but in the meantime I think that guest posts of quality could help.
Best wishes and kind regards
Petra


10/1/12  1:19pm
Jmaes Curran wrote

Love the concept, love your work and writings. Nothing like some wonderful illustration and design to simplify or help visualise the abstruse. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. Hope you’re able keep up the blog.


10/1/12  1:20pm
James Curran wrote

Damn, spelt my own name wrong, have to lay off the spraymount!


10/2/12  3:51pm
Emma wrote

I have been enjoying your blog, reviews, and it actually doesn’t bother me that you are not posting every second. It makes it more special, I think. yes quality guest posting could be an option.
I can’t wait to get my hands on your book, it looks beautiful. Right up my alley.
Thank you again for all your hard work.


10/2/12  4:50pm
Ashley wrote

I have enjoyed this blog for the past few years and have learned about so many incredible books and artists because of it! I think the guest post would work well as no one writer would have to shoulder the majority of the work.


10/3/12  4:10am
gretchen wrote

I really love your blog also and I have your link on my blog. It would be really sad if you wouldn´t blog about great books anymore. Your new book looks tempting! And I think it’s not a problem if you don’t have time to blog so often…it gives us something to waite for :) nice to have you back!


10/11/12  1:15am
Ryan wrote

Hi Julia,

I’ve followed posts on this blog for a while, and I always love what you share. Post when you can; consider a goal of posting at least once a month. Best of luck with the release…I would love to acquire a copy of this book sometime soon, it seems fantastic (from an Art & Anthropology student).


10/11/12  12:24pm
theKing wrote

i really really love your blog, i discovered many great artist,many great book from here and i hope you will remain this blog.Thank you for all the time you have been giving us


10/18/12  1:04pm
jim wrote

Glad you’re busy being creative. I agree with others that having guest posters might be a good solution–you’ve done it in the past and it was always interesting to see another artist’s perspective. Even if it’s only every two weeks or so. Happy bookmaking to you…


10/21/12  1:44am
pandorameka wrote

I think the guest post would work well as no one writer would have to shoulder the majority of the work.


10/23/12  5:30am
Paula wrote

Hey Julia!

Thank you for all of the great postings you have done to date, it’s one of the best blogs out there. I personally don’t mind that new postings come out every once in a great while…quality over quantity. I think your audience would be willing to hold tight till you figure out if there is a way to keep it going…it is a full time job in itself. Guest posting might be a good idea.

Can’t wait to get my hands on the new book of mysteries!


11/24/12  11:00pm
Alfian Effendy wrote

Seems its great book, thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to spend a couple bucks on that book.


03/12/13  7:29am
Buchgestaltung wrote

I just want to say that the concept was nice , love your work and writings. Nothing like some wonderful illustration and design to simplify visualize the abstruse. Keep up the blog….!!


04/26/13  10:59pm
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© Julia Rothman 2007