PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Published in 1910, this book came about when German writer, historian, and philosopher Ricarda Huch (1864–1947) accepted a challenge during a family game to write a detective story. Taking up the dare, she penned a novel in an epistolary format set in pre-revolutionary Russia.

Governor Yegor Rasimkara had recently ordered the closure of the University of Saint Petersburg to quell student protests, setting the stage for a gripping plot. The narrative introduces Liu, a cultured and observant man, summoned to protect Yegor by his wife. Unbeknownst to the governor’s family, Liu is an undercover anarchist militant with plans to eliminate Yegor.

O último verão (German: Der letzte Sommer; English: The Last Summer) is the author’s best-known work of fiction.

The book’s design is centered around the typewriter, a key element in the story. The dust jacket, printed on tracing paper, reproduces the typewriter’s components, creating a visual puzzle that unfolds as you read. Internal pages feature photos of these pieces, enhancing the tactile connection to the story.

The title employs Gal Gothic, a font inspired by the sans serif types prevalent in early 20th-century printed materials – reminiscent of the novel’s historical setting. Complementing this, the text utilizes Lygia, chosen for its calligraphic attributes, adding a touch of elegance that resonates with the era in which the novel unfolds. This thoughtful integration of design elements enhances the reader’s immersion in both the narrative and the historical context.

BOOK INFORMATION

Trim Size: 57.5 x 93.3

Number of Pages: 144

Binding Method:

Paper: Pólen, Colorplus, tracing paper

Typefaces: Gal Gothic, Lygia

CREDIT INFORMATION

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Book Designer: Gabriela Castro, Gustavo Marchetti, Paulo Chagas

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